Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/6/2026Ferguson Grove Baptist Church Grounds1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026Colonial Parkway--College Creek3 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/6/2026Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge2 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

3/5/2026stakeout White-winged Dove, River Road (2023)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/5/2026Craney Island Disposal Area (restricted access)3 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

3/4/2026Creekway Drive Boardwalk (Private)1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

3/3/2026S Church landing1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/2026Beckwith Farms1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/3/2026I-64 E, Williamsburg US-VA (37.2607,-76.6485)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/2/2026Lone Star Lakes2 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

2/28/2026Messick Point2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

13/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/1/2026

Canada Goose

62/20/2026

Gadwall

12/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

612/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/20/2026

Fish Crow

1502/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

62/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

42/20/2026

White-throated Sparrow

32/20/2026

Pine Warbler

22/20/2026

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.