Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Tundra Swan, Hooded Merganser, and Common 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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Pohick Bay Regional Park--Boat Ramp1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/6/2026Huntley Meadows Park--Cedar Trail Loop1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Burke Lake Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Huntley Meadows Park--Cedar Trail Loop6 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/5/2026Fort Washington National Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

403/6/2026

Tundra Swan

2673/6/2026

Common Merganser

243/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2203/6/2026

American Herring Gull

3603/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

13/6/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/6/2026

Osprey

53/6/2026

Bald Eagle

33/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

American Crow

33/6/2026

Fish Crow

13/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

53/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

American Wigeon

123/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge include Tundra Swan, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge?
Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.