Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Black 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/6/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area4 observed

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

3/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/6/2026

Bufflehead

3/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

63/6/2026

American Coot

503/6/2026

Horned Grebe

143/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

123/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/6/2026

Bald Eagle

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

53/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/6/2026

Common Merganser

63/6/2026

American Herring Gull

3/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Gray Catbird

13/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Osprey, Mourning Dove, American Crow. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.