Birding

Powhatan State Park

Powhatan State Park on the Historic James is located in central Virginia and approximately 45 minutes from Downtown Richmond. Natural resources include wooded areas, open fields, and river frontage.

Type of birds

Migrant species take advantage of the river and surrounding shoreline habitat. Several other species call Powhatan State Park home. Visit eBird for a list of bird observations at the park. https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=2020&eyr=2026&bmo=1&emo=12&r=US-VA-145

Best time of year to observe

Year-round sightings of the red-shouldered hawk and red-tailed hawk. April is excellent for viewing the indigo bunting and the American goldfinch. The summer is your chance to see yellow warblers, osprey and bald eagles. Fall is a good time to view wild turkey. For those who camp with us, late evening and early night are great times to listen for owls such as the screech owl and barred owl.

Best places in the park to observe

Parking at the Trailhead/equestrian parking lot allows access to the field sections of Big Woods, Cabin, and Turkey Trails. Parking at the overflow parking lot in front of the River Bend Campground allows access to Coyote Run Trial which travels in and out of the field and woods edge.