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

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/17/2026Marine Science Consortium1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/17/2026Hammock Road, Saxis1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/17/2026Rumbly Point2 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/17/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/17/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/17/20265298 Lakeview Road1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/17/2026Chincoteague NWR -- South Lot Dunes and Flats1 observed

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

4/16/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Razorbill

Alca torda

4/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

24/17/2026

Willet

44/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/17/2026

Laughing Gull

64/17/2026

Black Vulture

24/17/2026

Northern Flicker

14/17/2026

White-eyed Vireo

44/17/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

24/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

104/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/17/2026

Purple Martin

14/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/17/2026

Chipping Sparrow

44/17/2026

Field Sparrow

54/17/2026

Common Yellowthroat

104/17/2026

Palm Warbler

44/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/17/2026

American Oystercatcher

44/10/2026

Snowy Egret

14/10/2026

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.