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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/1/2026Braley Pond1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

6/1/2026White Hill Rd . Christians creek1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/2026318 Trimbles Mill Road, Swoope, Virginia, US (38.139, -79.217)1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/29/2026Gypsy Hill Park Lake Tams (fishing pond), Staunton US-VA 38.15885, -79.081962 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/28/2026Leading Ridge Rd (Broad Run to Todd Lake)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/26/2026200–212 Timber Ridge Rd, Mount Solon US-VA 38.37598, -79.087571 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/26/2026200–212 Timber Ridge Rd, Mount Solon US-VA 38.37598, -79.087571 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/26/2026Private home - Barrenridge Rd, Staunton US-VA 38.18148, -78.958171 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/26/2026Sunset Lake (Private)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

35/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

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.