Birding
Few places can match Virginia's abundance and variety of birds. From the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird to the 50-inch long tundra swan, you're sure to find a favorite feathered friend in the commonwealth.
Coastal birds? We've got plenty. Mountain birds? Of course. And many raptors - eagles, falcons, hawks and owls - make livings here as well.
State parks in Virginia are part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail, a statewide network of 65 trail loops with a total of more than 600 viewing sites, so you're likely to see more than just cardinals. This sharp-dressed fellow is the state bird of Virginia - and six other states.
At coastal parks, expect to see raptors, shorebirds, migrating songbirds, rails, and wintering geese and ducks. In Piedmont parks, spot turkeys, warblers, meadowlarks and buntings. Mountain parks are home to hawks, owls, grouse and more than 20 species of warblers. Of course parks also host plenty of birding and wildlife programs and events.
Visit a Virginia State Park on an excellent birding adventure with your field guide, binoculars and camera. For more information about a particular park's birding features, click below.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Caledon State Park
Chippokes State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
False Cape State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
First Landing State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
Kiptopeke State Park
James River State Park
Leesylvania State Park
Mason Neck State Park
Occoneechee State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
New River Trail State Park
Pocahontas State Park
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Twin Lakes State Park
Westmoreland State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Seven Bends State Park
Other resources
- Cornell's Lab of Ornithology eBird (many state parks' species bar charts are here)
- Virginia Society of Ornithology
- Audubon Birding in Virginia
- Virginia Wildlife Watching
Recent blogs about Birds
- Rehabilitated Bald Eagle #24-0336 released at Kiptopeke State Park
- 5 things to experience at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
- Birds nesting in unexpected spots at Machicomoco State Park
- Inaugural birding festival to honor Randy Smith, longtime Hungry Mother volunteer
- 5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2024
- More recent blogs about Birds.