River/Riparian birding habitat

York River State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

6/1/2026Heritage Park Trail1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Wilhelm1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/30/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Personal location, Yorktown1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Blackwater Creek, Mathews County, VA1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/27/2026Hog Island WMA2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/26/2026Greensprings

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/26/2026Dame Property- Robin's Neck Road1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

5/26/2026Dame Property- Robin's Neck Road2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/25/2026James River, Williamsburg US-VA 37.20202, -76.783581 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

56/1/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/1/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

56/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/1/2026

Bald Eagle

26/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/1/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

106/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/1/2026

American Crow

36/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

36/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/1/2026

Tree Swallow

26/1/2026

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.