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

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/15/2026Oxbow Farm (PRIVATE)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/15/2026G.R. Thompson WMA--Upper Ted Lake Trail1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/13/2026Bean Hollow Grassfed (Restricted Access)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/13/2026Home1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/11/2026Blandy Experimental Farm/State Arboretum of Virginia1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/9/2026Lake Frederick1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/8/2026Lake Frederick1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/8/2026Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve (City of Winchester)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/7/2026Blandy Experimental Farm/State Arboretum of Virginia2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/6/2026Shannondale Springs WMA1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/2/2026338 Cloud Street1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

14/15/2026

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Common Merganser

14/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

American Crow

14/15/2026

Fish Crow

24/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/15/2026

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.