Birding in Virginia State Parks Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Birding This osprey calls Belle Isle State Park home. Few places can match Virginia's abundance and variety of birds. From the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird to the 50-inch long tundra swan, you're sure to find a favorite feathered friend in the commonwealth. Coastal birds? We've got plenty. Mountain birds? Of course. And many raptors - eagles, falcons, hawks and owls - make livings here as well. State parks in Virginia are part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail , a statewide network of 65 trail loops with a total of more than 600 viewing sites, so you're likely to see more than just cardinals. This sharp-dressed fellow is the state bird of Virginia - and six other states. At coastal parks, expect to see raptors, shorebirds, migrating songbirds, rails, and wintering geese and ducks. In Piedmont parks, spot turkeys, warblers, meadowlarks and buntings. Mountain parks are home to hawks, owls, grouse and more than 20 species of warblers. Of course parks also host plenty of birding and wildlife programs and events Visit a Virginia State Park on an excellent birding adventure with your field guide, binoculars and camera. For more information about a particular park's birding features, click below. Bear Creek Lake State Park Caledon State Park Chippokes State Park Claytor Lake State Park False Cape State Park Holliday Lake State Park First Landing State Park Hungry Mother State Park Kiptopeke State Park James River State Park Leesylvania State Park Mason Neck State Park Occoneechee State Park Natural Tunnel State Park New River Trail State Park Pocahontas State Park Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park Sky Meadows State Park Staunton River State Park Staunton River Battlefield State Park Twin Lakes State Park Westmoreland State Park Natural Bridge State Park Seven Bends State Park Other resources Cornell's Lab of Ornithology eBird (many state parks' species bar charts are here) Virginia Society of Ornithology Audubon Birding in Virginia Virginia Wildlife Watching Recent blogs about Birds 13 Spring Birding Adventures at Virginia State Parks Count Birds for Science: The Great Backyard Bird Count Virginia birds in "The 12 Days of Christmas" 5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2026 Winter Wildlife Adventures at Virginia State Parks More recent blogs about Birds Download a booklet about state park amenities. General info Reservations Passes, prices and fees Lodging Programs and events Careers Job openings Media Center Know Before You Go For groups Meeting facilities Host an event Weddings Things to know FAQ Rules and regulations Pet policy Don't move firewood Feature articles Public Safety and Law Enforcement Get Involved Volunteer Friend groups Volunteer Host Youth Conservation Corps Stay connected Blog eNewsletter sign up Partnerships Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 E. Main St., 24 th Floor | Richmond, VA 23219 To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email resvs@dcr.virginia.gov or call 800-933-PARK (7275) Address other general inquiries to vastateparks@dcr.virginia.gov Please send website comments to web@dcr.virginia.gov Copyright © 2026, Virginia IT Agency. All rights reserved. Last Modified: Thursday, 11 January 2024, 04:39:23 PM WAI Level A Compliant ADA Notice