Forest birding habitat

Messick Point

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Messick Point is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Green-winged Teal among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

6/3/2026Newmarket Creek1 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Camp Morrison1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve2 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026MBR1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Home1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/29/2026Guinea Marsh--Maryus Road1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/28/2026Mariners' Museum Park/The Noland Trail1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Personal location, Yorktown1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/26/2026Langley AFB - West Gate Pond (Private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Least Tern

16/2/2026

Common Tern

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Brown Pelican

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Muscovy Duck

56/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

16/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Messick Point for birding?
The best months to visit Messick Point for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Messick Point?
Notable species at Messick Point include Brant, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Messick Point?
Birding at Messick Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Messick Point?
Messick Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.