Birding

Occoneechee State Park

434-374-2210, Occoneechee@dcr.virginia.gov

Occoneechee State Park spans 2,698 acres along the shoreline of Buggs Island Lake, offering forests, wetlands, open meadows and scenic waterfront views ideal for birders of all skill levels. With roughly 22 miles of trails, visitors can enjoy relaxed, accessible outdoor experiences throughout the year, whether walking through hardwood forests, winding around the lake or exploring open field environments.

Type of birds

Occoneechee is home to numerous species common to Virginia's Piedmont region. Year-round, it is common to see eastern bluebirds, white-breasted nuthatches and northern cardinals. In the summer, you can spot scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes and yellow-billed cuckoos. In winter, keep your eyes open for brown creepers, hermit thrushes and ruby-crowned kinglets.

Best time of year to observe

There are many birds in the park year-round.

Best places in the park to observe

The park has a dedicated birding trail, Tutelo Birding Trail, and is designated a viewing location by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. There are also bluebird nesting boxes throughout the park. Stop by the visitor center during breeding season, approximately March until July/August, as there is a live camera in the bluebird nesting box closest to the visitor center. Multiple areas of the park are being managed for early successional grasslands which support the local turkey populations and other wildlife. Visit the Conservation Area past the equestrian campground for a great example. The shorelines provide opportunities to see different types of ducks and herons, as well as osprey flying over as they actively fish.

Special birding programs and events

There is a Birds of Southside Virginia brochure available in the visitor center, highlighting the different species that can be spotted in the park as well as when and where to look. Park interpreters are developing new programs to highlight native species throughout the year, so check the schedule often.

See all Birding Events

Go back