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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR3 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/17/2026Former Branscome Borrow Pit (private)1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/15/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

57/19/2026

Chimney Swift

47/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Anhinga

27/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Great Egret

27/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Black Vulture

47/19/2026

Cooper's Hawk

37/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/19/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

27/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/19/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

97/19/2026

Purple Martin

37/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/19/2026

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.