Lake birding habitat

Stumpy Lake Natural Area

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Stumpy Lake Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/3/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Five Forks Causeway, Virginia Beach, Virginia, US (36.877, -76.142)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/2/20261609 Moores Ln, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.88945, -76.119432 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

6/2/2026Little Island Park1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

6/2/2026Little Island Park1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/1/2026Rudee Inlet1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/31/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

5/31/2026Rudee Inlet1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/31/2026White House Lane1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast)

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/30/2026Stumpy Lake Natural Area8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/3/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/3/2026

Great Egret

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/3/2026

Osprey

26/3/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/3/2026

Bald Eagle

16/3/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/3/2026

American Crow

16/3/2026

Fish Crow

36/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

36/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/3/2026

Northern House Wren

16/3/2026

Carolina Wren

36/3/2026

House Finch

16/3/2026

American Goldfinch

36/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Stumpy Lake Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Stumpy Lake Natural Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Stumpy Lake Natural Area?
Notable species at Stumpy Lake Natural Area include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stumpy Lake Natural Area?
Birding at Stumpy Lake Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stumpy Lake Natural Area?
Stumpy Lake Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.