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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/20/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/20/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/18/2026Four Mile Run Park1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/18/2026Hunting Creek Bridge (Fairfax Co.)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/15/2026Mattawoman Creek--Mattingly Park1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/12/2026Manassas National Battlefield Park--Portici Area1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/8/202614701 Bayview Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia, US (38.633, -77.248)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

157/19/2026

Mallard

27/19/2026

Mourning Dove

117/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/19/2026

Chimney Swift

37/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

67/19/2026

Laughing Gull

17/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

197/19/2026

Forster's Tern

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Osprey

137/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

47/19/2026

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.