Birding
Widewater State Park
540-288-1400, widewater@dcr.virginia.gov
Birding at Widewater State Park offers an exciting glimpse into the rich diversity of species that thrive along its wetlands, woodlands and Potomac River shoreline.
Type of birds
From migratory songbirds and waterfowl to birds of prey and wetlands waders, over 80 confirmed species can be viewed at Widewater throughout the year. Some noteworthy species include the bald eagle, osprey, mute swan, great blue heron, ruby-throated hummingbird, Eastern bluebird, barred owl, wild turkey, and wood duck. A full list of birds can be found on eBird and iNaturalist.Best time of year to observe
Many of the birds at Widewater State Park can be observed year-round, though in the winter many migratory species take refuge in the Holly Marsh wetlands and along the Aquia Creek shorelines.Best places in the park to observe
Popular birding locations within the park are along Holly Marsh Trail, including: wetland observation points for waterfowl and wetland waders; the Potomac River overlook to see bald eagles, osprey, and flocks of migratory winter species; and the trail itself for dozens of different songbirds.Special birding programs and events
In the winter, both rangers and volunteers provide birding hikes to view the migratory birds in the Holly Marsh wetlands and along the Potomac River shoreline. Throughout the year, self-guided birding hikes are available using the Birding Checklist for Widewater State Park.Recent blogs about Birds
- A treasure in our own backyard: Sweet Run State Park
- 5 things to experience at Kiptopeke State Park
- 5 things to experience at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
- 5 things to experience at Mason Neck State Park
- Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother honors longtime volunteer Randy Smith
- More recent blogs about Birds.
