Claytor Lake State Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Claytor Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Long-tailed Duck 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

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Claytor Lake State Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/4/2026-BK1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

2/22/2026McCord Property1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/22/2026Private land near Claytor Lake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/21/2026NRV Fair Grounds , Dublin, Virginia, US (37.122, -80.7)7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

73/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

1573/6/2026

Bufflehead

103/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

American Coot

193/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Northern Flicker

53/6/2026

Blue Jay

43/6/2026

American Crow

63/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

Brown Creeper

13/6/2026

European Starling

13/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

53/6/2026

American Robin

133/6/2026

American Goldfinch

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Claytor Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Claytor Lake State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Claytor Lake State Park?
Notable species at Claytor Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Claytor Lake State Park?
Birding at Claytor Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Claytor Lake State Park?
Claytor Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.