Forest birding habitat

Sky Meadows State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sky Meadows State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture 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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/3/2026Featherbed Road1 observed

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

6/2/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Trillium Trail1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/2/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Trillium Trail2 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/31/2026141 Bean Hollow Road, Flint Hill, Virginia, US (38.767, -78.147)2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/30/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (Frederick Co.)1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/29/2026Clifton Institute (restricted access)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/29/2026Sky Meadows State Park1 observed

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

5/29/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Thompson Lake Area1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/28/2026Friendship Park1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/25/2026Home1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/25/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (City of Winchester)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/25/2026On the Shores of Shenandoah (private)1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/24/2026Airlie Conference Center (Restricted Access)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/24/2026Airlie Conference Center (Restricted Access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Northern House Wren

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

16/1/2026

European Starling

16/1/2026

Gray Catbird

26/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

26/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/1/2026

Common Grackle

16/1/2026

American Redstart

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/1/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sky Meadows State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Sky Meadows State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sky Meadows State Park?
Notable species at Sky Meadows State Park include Rock Pigeon, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Red-shouldered Hawk. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sky Meadows State Park?
Birding at Sky Meadows State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Sky Meadows State Park?
Sky Meadows State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.