birds standing on a log

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

American Coot

Fulica americana

6/1/2026Arlington1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026**HUNTLEY MEADOWS PARK4 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/1/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/1/2026Mason District Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/1/2026

Carolina Wren

36/1/2026

American Goldfinch

36/1/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

16/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

Northern Parula

16/1/2026

Prairie Warbler

26/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/1/2026

Indigo Bunting

36/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Osprey, Mourning Dove, American Crow. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.