Wetland birding habitat

Saxis Wildlife Management Area

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Saxis Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Gadwall, Northern Pintail, and Redhead 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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/14/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach Access Road2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/14/20265298 Lakeview Road1 observed

Dunlin (hudsonia)

Calidris alpina

4/13/2026Rumbly Point14 observed

Great Egret (American)

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Rumbly Point2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/13/2026Rumbly Point2 observed

Great Egret (African)

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Deep Creek1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Short-eared Owl (Northern)

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp2 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary4 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/11/2026Coardtown Road1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/11/20267748 Matthews Road, Saxis, Virginia, US (37.937, -75.713)1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/11/2026Marine Science Consortium1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

124/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

American Black Duck

84/12/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/12/2026

Mourning Dove

94/12/2026

Clapper Rail

74/12/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/12/2026

Willet

54/12/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

24/12/2026

Dunlin

204/12/2026

Laughing Gull

104/12/2026

American Herring Gull

14/12/2026

Forster's Tern

14/12/2026

Common Loon

34/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/12/2026

Glossy Ibis

34/12/2026

Snowy Egret

44/12/2026

Black Vulture

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Saxis Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Saxis Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Saxis Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Saxis Wildlife Management Area include Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Saxis Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Saxis Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Saxis Wildlife Management Area?
Saxis Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.