York River State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

York River State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026Colonial Parkway--College Creek3 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/5/2026Matoaka Lake and Woods1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/2026Beckwith Farms1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/3/2026I-64 E, Williamsburg US-VA (37.2607,-76.6485)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/2/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/20266734 Cox Ave, Gloucester US-VA 37.41638, -76.522361 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Hickory Hill2 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/1/2026US-Virginia-Gloucester Courthouse-4849 Rosewell Dr - 37.337x-76.591 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

1503/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

83/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

203/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

83/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

23/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

53/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit York River State Park for birding?
The best months to visit York River State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at York River State Park?
Notable species at York River State Park include Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at York River State Park?
Birding at York River State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at York River State Park?
York River State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.