James River Park - The Wetlands

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

James River Park - The Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Birchwood at Boulders Lake1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/202613902 Two notch place, Brandermill2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/4/20266924 Longview Drive, Richmond, Virginia, US (37.544, -77.518)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/3/2026Mayfair Ave.1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/1/2026James River Park--The Wetlands2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Curles Neck Farm (restricted access)7 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/1/2026Curles Neck Farm (restricted access)2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/1/2026Curles Neck Farm (restricted access)1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Curles Neck Farm (restricted access)7 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/6/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

23/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

Rusty Blackbird

63/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

33/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

133/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/6/2026

European Starling

33/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/6/2026

House Finch

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 James River Park - The Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit James River Park - The Wetlands for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at James River Park - The Wetlands?
Notable species at James River Park - The Wetlands include Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at James River Park - The Wetlands?
Birding at James River Park - The Wetlands is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at James River Park - The Wetlands?
James River Park - The Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.