Wetland birding habitat

Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and Hooded Merganser 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

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Toms Cove Hook (no access Mar 15-Aug 31)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/19/2026Coastal Forest WMA--Tract #96 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026Chincoteague NWR--Black Duck Marsh1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/16/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wildlife Loop1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Saxis WMA3 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

7/15/2026Saxis WMA4 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/15/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

47/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Laughing Gull

477/12/2026

Black Skimmer

187/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/12/2026

Bald Eagle

37/12/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/12/2026

White-eyed Vireo

47/12/2026

American Crow

57/12/2026

Carolina Chickadee

67/12/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

37/12/2026

Carolina Wren

37/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/12/2026

American Goldfinch

17/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

37/12/2026

Field Sparrow

97/12/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

67/12/2026

Orchard Oriole

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve?
Notable species at Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve?
Birding at Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve?
Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.