Rural Retreat Lake
Virginia · Southeast
About This Location
Rural Retreat Lake is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Mallard 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
Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo flavifrons
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Black-throated Green Warbler
Setophaga virens
Northern House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Rock Pigeon
Killdeer
Belted Kingfisher
Tree Swallow
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Field Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Black-throated Green Warbler
Mallard
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
Amenities
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 →