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

Loading map...

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

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

7/19/2026500–572 Guthrie Rd, Staunton US-VA 38.05458, -79.068361 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/17/2026Dowells Draft Trail1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/16/2026Willow Lake1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

7/14/2026Cowbane Prairie Natural Area Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

37/17/2026

Mourning Dove

37/17/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

17/17/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/17/2026

American Crow

27/17/2026

Barn Swallow

17/17/2026

Northern House Wren

17/17/2026

European Starling

857/17/2026

Gray Catbird

17/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/17/2026

American Robin

37/17/2026

House Finch

27/17/2026

American Goldfinch

67/17/2026

Field Sparrow

27/17/2026

Song Sparrow

17/17/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/17/2026

Common Grackle

17/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/17/2026

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.