Forest birding habitat

Swoope Area

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Swoope Area is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Wilson's Snipe, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/14/2026Home/// House at Springdale1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026Shuey Road (Swoope)1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/14/2026Quillen's Pond1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

4/13/2026Braley Pond1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

4/13/2026Braley Pond2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/12/2026Livick Road, Swoope, Virginia, US (38.145, -79.196)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/12/2026Swoope--North Mountain Road1 observed

Chuck-will's-widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

4/11/2026598 Lake Road, Stuarts Draft, Virginia, US (37.99, -79.031)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/11/2026Smith Lake/McCune's Pond (restricted access)1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

4/9/2026Guthrie Road1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/9/2026Augusta Springs Wetlands Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Bald Eagle

14/14/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/14/2026

American Crow

24/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/14/2026

Carolina Wren

14/14/2026

European Starling

14/14/2026

House Finch

14/14/2026

Field Sparrow

14/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

114/14/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

24/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/14/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/14/2026

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 Swoope Area for birding?
The best months to visit Swoope Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Swoope Area?
Notable species at Swoope Area include Mourning Dove, Wilson's Snipe, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Swoope Area?
Birding at Swoope Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Swoope Area?
Swoope Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.