State of West Virginia

Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis ©Cal Vornberger Website
Birding West Virginia

At some juncture before the United States reached it’s current geo-political size, it was said of West Virginia, Its the most northern of the southern states, the most southern of the northern states, the most eastern of the western states and the most western of the eastern states. Even although it’s a safe bet that someone from West Virginia coined the phrase, that adage held true at the time and still describes with some accuracy, it’s geo-political boundaries. It’s northern most point extends farther north than Pittsburg, Pa., Huntington in the west extends farther west than Cleavland, Oh., Bluefield is farther south than Richmond, Virginia. and it’s eastern most town, Harper’s Ferry, lies at the same approximate longitude as Hagerstown, Md.

Even though West Virginia lies soley within the Appalachian Mountain System, it can be divided into three distinct physiographic regions, the Ridge and Valley Province in the eastern panhandle, the Allegheny Mountains and the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. The eastern panhandle can be further divided into the Potomac and Shenandoah River valleys and the Blue Ridge Mountain Section. Principal rivers in the Allegheny region are the Ohio along the western border and northern panhandle, the New, Kanawha, and Gauley in the south and the Monongahela, Cheat and Tygart in the north-central region.

The majority of the state is covered by deciduous forest, but conifer, mixed conifer/deciduous and boreal habitats are also to be found in the Allegheny Mountains. The eastern panhandle and southwestern area of the state contain extensive enough tracts of pine that Pine Warblers nest regularly. Very little marsh habitat exists in the state, but enough is present in the Eastern panhandle and along the Ohio River that Pied-billed Grebes, Least and American Bitterns, Virginia Rails, Soras, Comon Moorhens and Marsh Wrens nest.

The geographic scope of the state coupled with habitat diversity provides the basis for West Virginia’s distinction of having more breeding species of new-world warblers than any other state. Currently, 29 species of eastern warblers, including two of the most sought after ones, Swainson’s and Mourning, breed in West Virginia. Breeding Least Bittern’s, Loggerhead Shrikes, Dickcissels and disjunct populations of breeding Northern Goshawks, Olive-sided Flycatchers and Nashville Warblers, give West Virginia a unique ornithological flair. The diversity of breeding species in the state has been increased with the re-introduction programs of Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Peregrine Falcons.

Birding LocationsThe vast majority of rarities that appear in West Virginia, seem to turn up at Greenbottom Wildlife Management Area and at Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam. Both of these areas are found along state route 2 which parallels the Ohio River just west of Huntington in the southwestern corner of the state. In addition to this being the most rairity-rich area in the state, Least Bitterns, Common Moorhens, Virginia and Sora Rails, Summer Tanagers and Blue Grosbeaks nest here.

To find Swainson’s Warblers in West Virginia a trip to the rhododendron thickets of the southern part of the state is a must. For specific locations try Babock State Park off of state route 41 north of Beckley and Coonskin Park in Charleston. In addition to searching for Swainson’s Warblers here, a visit to New River National Gorge can be visually rewarding. Most of the breeding species found in deciduous habitats, are also present in this area of the state.

Some more top sites are set out below.Additional information and details regarding birding locations can be found in the Birding Guide to West Virginia which is published by the Brooks Bird Club.

Top Sites
  • Altona Marsh & Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area

    InformationSatellite View
    Altona Marsh at Charles Town and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area near Martinsburg in the eastern panhandle can provide rewarding birding experiences. Among others, Virginia Rails and Marsh Wrens nest at Altona Marsh. Sleepy Creek is productive during spring migration and breeding season when Whip-poor-wills and Pine Warblers are nesting. The eastern panhandle is the only area of the state where both Fish Crows and Loggerhead Shrikes can be found.
  • Blackwater Falls State Park

    WebsiteSatellite View
    Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls state parks in Tucker County offer a wide variety of birding habitats and stunning scenery. Canaan Valley contains almost every type of habitat found in the state. It is suspected that Common Snipe and American Bitterns breed here. Once a documented nester, Sedge Wren may still breed in remote locations in the valley. In recent years, Black Vultures have established permanent residency in Black Water Falls State Park and Rough-legged Hawks are common winter residents in Canaan Valley. Also of interest in nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is the Allegheny Front Migration Observatory. Every year from mid-August to mid-September, The Brooks Bird Club conducts a passerine banding operation. The station is situated along the eastern edge of the Allegheny Front which offers some of the most spectacular views in the state.
  • Cathedral State Park

    WebsiteSatellite View
    Cathedral State Park located just off of US Route 50 in Preston County, contains one of the few remaining stands of mixed, old-growth timber in West Virginia. Several trails through the park provide ample birding opportunities amidst sublime surroundings. Some of the birds found nesting in the park are Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Louisiana Waterthrush and Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green and Canada Warblers.
  • Cranesville Swamp

    WebpageSatellite View
    Also in Preston County is botanic-rich Cranesville Swamp. Just a few of the interesting plant species that can be found along the boardwalk are large cranberry, sundew and eastern larch. Saw-whet Owls are year-round residents and among others, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Alder Flycatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Waterthrush and Golden-winged Warblers breed here. Nashville Warblers have been found breeding here in the past and may still be present as nesters.
  • Gaudineer Knob Recreation Area & Barton Knob

    InformationSatellite View
    Located in Randolph and Pocahontas Counties, Gaudineer Knob Recreation Area and nearby Barton Knob provide some of the richest birding in the state. Northern Goshawk, Saw-whet Owl, Olive-sided Flycatcher and Red Crossbill are possibilities here during breeding season. Winter Wrens are abundant and with the exceptions of Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's, all of the eastern thrush species breed in this area. Other species you're likely to encounter are Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, the mountain type of Blue-headed Vireo, Dark-eyed Junco and Yellow-rumped Warbler. If that's not enough, Gaudineer Knob is one of the best locations in the state for find Mourning, Blackburnian and Canada Warblers.
Contributors
  • Gary L Felton

    | GL1JE1@AOL.COM

Number of Species
  • Number of bird species: 346

    (As at October 2018)

    State Bird - Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

Checklist
  • iGoTerra Checklist

    iGoTerra Checklist
    Fatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web
Useful Reading

  • Birds of West Virginia

    By Todd Telander | Falcon Guides | 2012 | Paperback | 95 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9780762781003 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of West Virginia Field Guide

    By Stan Tekiela | Adventurekeen | 2008 | Paperback | 309 pages, colour & b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9781591930709 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • Birds of the West Virginia Northern Panhandle II

    By Philip M Carter | Philip M Carter | 2016 | Paperback | 50 pages, b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9781537622002 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • The West Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas

    By Albert R Buckelew & George A Hall | University of Pittsburgh Press 1994 | Hardback | 232 pages, Illustrations | ISBN: 0822938502 Buy this book from NHBS.com
  • West Virginia Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

    James R Kavanagh & Raymond Leung | Waterford Press | 2002 | Unbound | 12 pages, colour illustrations, 1 colour map | ISBN: 1583551867 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Useful Information
  • West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

    http://www.wvdnr.gov/
  • West Virginia Visitor Guide

    http://www.westvirginia.com/
Festivals & Bird Fairs
  • Canaan Valley Birding Festival

    Information
    Each June, locals and visitors with a love for nature can join Canaan Valley for their annual Birding Festival, where more than 100 species and forms of birds can be seen.
  • New River Birding & Nature Festival

    Website
    Since 2002, the annual New River Birding & Nature Festival takes place in May in and around the New River Gorge National River in the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell Lab of Ornithology identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Swainson's Warbler, as well as the Scarlet Tanager. This bird and nature watching festival highlights more than 100 bird species on a variety of birding tours.
Observatories
  • Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

    Observatory WebsiteSatellite View
    Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory on Peter's Mountain in Monroe County, West Virginia, is a former fire tower now used to monitor raptor migration. Every year, starting around the first of September, volunteers man the tower to watch for migrating hawks, eagles, falcons, and ospreys.
Organisations
  • Audubon Society in West Virginia

    Website
    Offices & Chapters
  • Bibbee Nature Club

    Webpage
    ​The Bibbee Nature Club is dedicated to the observation and study of the natural world near our homes in southeastern West Virginia.​Our purpose is to provide our members an opportunity to enjoy, protect and respect the natural world in which they and their families find themselves. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of observational and learning experiences: lectures, movies, and (of most important) field trips. Our Wild Food Dinner each fall provides a climax to our year.​
  • Brooks Bird Club

    Website
    Formed back in 1932, the Brooks Bird Club has had a long history with many members over the years. To learn how the BBC has evolved over the years, check out the BBC Historical Timeline below. You will learn how and when we formed, who created the first newsletter, when the BBC Foray began, about past members, and so much more!
  • Handlan Chapter (Charleston) - Brooks Bird Club

    Webpage
    The Handlan Chapter is Charleston's oldest and only organized group dedicated to the study and enjoyment of wild birds.​In 1944 members of the Brooks Bird Club from the Charleston WV area formed the BBC Handlan Chapter.
  • Mountaineer Audubon Society

    Facebook Page
    Mountaineer Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society which meets in Morgantown. Visit our website for more info.
  • Mountwood Bird Club

    Webpage
    The Mountwood Bird Club was formed in 1978 and currently has 33 members from the Parkersburg / Vienna / Marietta area. The club has a very active schedule with a birding outing nearly every week of the year, including some out-of-town trips and occasional evening programs. Membership is open to all who enjoy birding.
  • Nature Conservancy in West Virginia

    Webpage
    In West Virginia, we're working toward innovative solutions to boost the economy and help nature thrive. When you donate today, you will help ensure a thriving natural environment for future generations.
  • Pocahontas Nature Club

    Webpage
    ​Our Pocahontas Nature Club Facebook page, is the place to post anything of local interest to nature-lovers: spring bird arrivals, interesting wildflowers spotted, wild animals, fossils, weather phenomena, and more.
  • Potomac Valley Audubon Society

    Website
    PVAS is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and covers the counties of Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan in West Virginia and Washington in Maryland. Monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, at the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center outside Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
  • West Virginia Bird Records Committee

    Webpage
    The Virginia Avian Records Committee (VARCOM) was formed in 1989 to increase knowledge of Virginia birds, to evaluate and to archive records of vagrants and rare nesting species in the state, and to encourage high standards of observation, recording, and reporting in the birding community. Since then, VARCOM has evaluated more than 1,250 records of rare species, unseasonal occurrences, and unusual breeding attempts...
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • IBA Robert C Byrd Locks and Dam

    InformationSatellite View
  • IBAs West Virginia

    InformationSatellite View
    West Virginia's Important Bird Areas Program has been active for two years with a steering committee and a web site that hosts nomination forms, site forms, and county contacts. Phase one of the IBA program, site identification, is moving forward with selection of a technical committee and solicitation of site nominations. Efforts are also underway to establish close ties with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, West Virginia Audubon Chapters and other interested individuals and organizations.
  • NA Cranesville Swamp

    WebpageSatellite View
    Cranesville Swamp's lush forest and wetland is home to an exceptional variety of plants and animals. In 1965, Cranesville Swamp was one of the first National Natural Landmarks designated by the National Park Service. The mountain peatlands created by this rare mix of altitude, temperature, and precipitation are home to a spectacular range of plants, birds, and mammals.
  • NF George Washington & Jefferson

    WebpageSatellite View
    The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests stretch along the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and even cross into parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. It includes Dolly Sods National Wilderness Area.
  • NR Cool Spring Nature Preserve

    WebpageSatellite View
    Cool Spring Nature Preserve consists of 32 acres of forest, meadow and marsh in southern Jefferson County, West Virginia. Bullskin Run, a major stream with significant historical value, borders one side of the preserve. Cool Spring is designated as a “birding hotspot.”
  • NR Cranberry Glades Botanic Area

    InformationSatellite View
    Cranberry Glades — also known simply as The Glades — are a cluster of five small, boreal-type bogs in southwestern Pocahontas County, West Virginia, USA. This area, high in the Allegheny Mountains at about 3,400 feet (1,000 m), is protected as the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest...
  • NR Eidolon Preserve

    WebpageSatellite View
    The 354-acre Eidolon Nature Preserve is located along the summit and east side of Sideling Hill, in Morgan County, West Virginia. The preserve features dense mountaintop forests, several ground-fed natural springs and commanding views of the Potomac River.
  • NR Stauffer’s Marsh Preserve

    WebpageSatellite View
    Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve consists of 46-acres of primarily wetland in Back Creek Valley in Berkeley County, WV. Formerly marshy farmland, the USDA restored the wetland ponds and marshes as a part of the Wetland Reserve Program. Today, Stauffer’s Marsh is a paradise for migrating and nesting waterfowl.
  • NR Three Rivers Avian Center

    Facebook PageSatellite View
    Three Rivers Avian Center is a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to wild bird conservation & to educating and involving people in ecosystem stewardship. Join in!
  • NR Yankauer Nature Preserve

    WebpageSatellite View
    The 104-acre Yankauer Nature Preserve is located in Berkeley County, WV, just northwest of Shepherdstown. This preserve is historic farmland that is now forested. The backside of the preserve overlooks the Potomac River. Yankauer is the best location for a spring native wildflower walk of PVAS’s four preserves.
  • NR Yankauer Preserve

    WebpageSatellite View
    The 104-acre Yankauer Nature Preserve is located in Berkeley County, WV, just northwest of Shepherdstown. This preserve is historic farmland that is now forested. The backside of the preserve overlooks the Potomac River. Yankauer is the best location for a spring native wildflower walk of PVAS’s four preserves.
  • NWR Canaan Valley

    WebpageSatellite View
    Welcome to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s 500th! The refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. On August 11, 1994, with the purchase of 86 acres the refuge was established. With the purchase of approximately 12,000 acres in 2002, the refuge grew to 15,245 acres in size. The refuge currently is approximately 17,000 acres.
  • NWR Ohio River Islands

    InformationSatellite View
    The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge (ORINWR) is a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in non-contiguous sites consisting of islands along 392 miles (631 km) of the Ohio River, primarily (85% of acreage) in the U.S. state of West Virginia.
  • SP Blackwater Falls

    WebsiteSatellite View
    Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls state parks in Tucker County offer a wide variety of birding habitats and stunning scenery. Canaan Valley contains almost every type of habitat found in the state. It is suspected that Common Snipe and American Bitterns breed here. Once a documented nester, Sedge Wren may still breed in remote locations in the valley. In recent years, Black Vultures have established permanent residency in Black Water Falls State Park and Rough-legged Hawks are common winter residents in Canaan Valley. Also of interest in nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is the Allegheny Front Migration Observatory. Every year from mid-August to mid-September, The Brooks Bird Club conducts a passerine banding operation. The station is situated along the eastern edge of the Allegheny Front which offers some of the most spectacular views in the state.
  • SP Cathedral

    WebsiteSatellite View
    Cathedral State Park located just off of US Route 50 in Preston County, contains one of the few remaining stands of mixed, old-growth timber in West Virginia. Several trails through the park provide ample birding opportunities amidst sublime surroundings. Some of the birds found nesting in the park are Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, Louisiana Waterthrush and Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green and Canada Warblers.
  • WMA Amherst-Plymouth

    InformationSatellite View
    Amherst-Plymouth Wildlife Management Area is a 7,061-acre (2,857 ha) protected area located in Putnam County, West Virginia. The site is along the banks of the Kanawha River.
  • WMA Anawalt Lake

    InformationSatellite View
    Anawalt Lake Wildlife Management Area is a 1,792-acre (725 ha) protected area located in McDowell County, West Virginia.The terrain at Anawalt lake is steep, and covered with a second-growth hardwood forest.
  • WMA Greenbottom

    InformationSatellite View
    Green Bottom WMA is also a popular location for watching wildlife. Over 100 species of birds are regularly seen each year along the river bottom. More than 30 mammals, as well as several amphibians and reptiles, are available for viewing.
  • WMA Sand Hill

    InformationSatellite View
    Located Twelve miles east of Parkersburg on either side of U.S. Route 50 in Wood and Ritchie counties, the 967-acre Sand Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lies at the heart of this IBA. The forested areas of the IBA hosts species of birds that require intact forest interiors for successful breeding. The large contiguous forests provide suitable habitat for interior forest breeding species such as Broad-winged Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Great-crested Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, and Scarlet Tanager.
  • WMA Sleepy Creek

    InformationSatellite View
    Altona Marsh at Charles Town and Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area near Martinsburg in the eastern panhandle can provide rewarding birding experiences. Among others, Virginia Rails and Marsh Wrens nest at Altona Marsh. Sleepy Creek is productive during spring migration and breeding season when Whip-poor-wills and Pine Warblers are nesting. The eastern panhandle is the only area of the state where both Fish Crows and Loggerhead Shrikes can be found.
Trip Reports
  • 2014 [06 June] - John Rowlett, Bret Whitney & Tom Reed - Virginia's Warblers

    Report
    ...It is remarkable that, of the 26 species of warblers we found, no fewer than 10 genera are represented, even though these species are such closely related members of their group that hybrids are not uncommon, even intergeneric hybrids. Most of the temperate-breeding warblers we saw are sexually dimorphic, whereas the Neotropical-breeding warblers look more or less alike. In the triplist that follows I've noted a few particular aspects of the biology of each species, some of which we remarked on during the tour...
  • 2015 [May] - John Rowlett, Tom Johnson, and Jan Pierson - Virginia's Warblers

    Report
    ...Here, along the banks of the James at Warren Ferry and the Hardware River WMA, such lowland, southern species as Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and Blue Grosbeak graced us with appearances. The birding didn't stop for dinner, either - a Louisiana Waterthrush arrived in a small stream next to our restaurant and sang from mere feet away as we dined.
Places to Stay
  • Canaan Valley Resort

    Accommodation
    Situated in one of the most scenic and tranquil settings in the Mid-Atlantic, with unlimited recreation and family-focused activities, Canaan Valley Resort is a four-season destination providing the perfect escape from the pressures of daily life. Fifteen miles long by three miles wide, Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains, with a base elevation of 3,100 feet. Canaan Valley Resort is nestled on a plateau overlooking the valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks
Other Links
  • West Virginia listserv archives

    Website

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