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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/3/2026Chincoteague NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/2/2026the hook2 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

6/2/2026the hook5 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/2/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

6/2/2026BS-CNWR NewNOSV1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Pitts Landing1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/27/2026Chincoteague Island Nature Trail1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

5/26/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wildlife Loop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Willet

26/1/2026

Laughing Gull

26/1/2026

Least Tern

46/1/2026

Royal Tern

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

66/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

56/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Fish Crow

26/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/1/2026

Purple Martin

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

46/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

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.