Urban Park birding habitat

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Mallard, Hooded Merganser, and Cooper's Hawk 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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/20/2026Hog Island WMA

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/19/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

7/18/2026Busch Gardens Williamsburg1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/14/2026Griffin ln.1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/14/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/14/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/12/2026Newport News Park--Campground Area1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/12/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

27/19/2026

Canada Goose

107/13/2026

Chimney Swift

27/13/2026

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

American Crow

17/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/13/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sandy Bottom Nature Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sandy Bottom Nature Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sandy Bottom Nature Park?
Notable species at Sandy Bottom Nature Park include Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, American Crow, Northern Cardinal. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandy Bottom Nature Park?
Birding at Sandy Bottom Nature Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sandy Bottom Nature Park?
Sandy Bottom Nature Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.