Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
Free
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
Scarlet Tanager
Piranga olivacea
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Contopus virens
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
Common Raven
Corvus corax
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Blue-winged Warbler
Vermivora cyanoptera
Kentucky Warbler
Geothlypis formosa
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Wild Turkey
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Northern Harrier
Red-shouldered Hawk
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.
- 5
Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Mason Neck State Park
- Pohick Bay Regional Park
- Occoquan River
More in Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.
Huntley Meadows Park
DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.
Great Falls Park
Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.
Virginia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Virginia →