North Fork Wetlands

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

North Fork Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Bufflehead 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026McRaes Road Pond Area1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026Leopold's Preserve7 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/20269301–9399 Battle Ln, Catlett US-VA 38.64728, -77.650062 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/28/2026Forest Manor3 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

2/28/2026Sully Woodlands1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

2/27/2026Clifton Institute (restricted access)1 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

2/27/2026Lake Brittle1 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

2/24/2026Frying Pan Farm Park1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/24/20261634–1674 Winchester Rd, Delaplane US-VA 38.96935, -77.951051 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/24/20263609 Sutherland Court, Warrenton, Virginia, US (38.745, -77.667)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/22/20267768 Cannonball Gate Road1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit North Fork Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit North Fork Wetlands for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at North Fork Wetlands?
Notable species at North Fork Wetlands include American Wigeon, Mallard, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Black Vulture. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Fork Wetlands?
Birding at North Fork Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at North Fork Wetlands?
North Fork Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.