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October 26, 2026
Abingdon, Virginia, is surrounded by terrific spots for birding – a few of which might surprise you!
The Meadows Sports Complex
“FOWL BALL!”…is not an expression usually associated with bird watching, but Abingdon’s premier sports park is also a field of dreams for birders.
The Meadows Sports Complex sits next to a large storm retention pond. The variation of habitats makes for an impressive bird list: Belted Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Blue Heron, Cooper’s Hawk and Eastern Bluebird are frequently on the line-up. In the winter, bare tree limbs provide a great view of the pond from the parking area – allowing for good “car birding” on cold days. Waterfowl stopovers have included Hooded Mergansers, Gadwalls, Mallards, and even a Northern Pintail. The visiting team also includes Yellow-rumped Warblers, White-throated Sparrows, and Purple Finches.
Downtown
While taking in Abingdon’s historic sights, restaurants, and art galleries, keep your eyes open for cool birds. Mourning Doves are common along Plumb Alley; House Finches can be seen flitting between trees and door wreaths; Bluebirds and Downy Woodpeckers are common behind the Martha Washington Inn and Spa; Chimney Swifts chitter and swoop high over Main Street; and our Virginia state bird, the Northern Cardinal, can be spotted most anywhere.
Be prepared for surprises! There seem to be resident Fish Crows in Abingdon despite this being outside their usual range (listen for their distinctive “UH UH!” call). A flock of Canada Geese frequents the creek near west Main Street, and occasionally a Ross’s Goose will be in the mix.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll on the Urban Pathway and encounter different types of habitat that host favorites like Brown Thrashers.
History and Birds
Combine your obsession with birds with your love of history! Check out the Rock Pigeons perched on the weather vane atop the Washington County Courthouse and learn about Meriweather Lewis’s stop near that location. Enjoy a sassy Northern Mockingbird on the cross of St. Thomas Episcopal Church while also exploring the history of several 100-year-old church buildings in town. Stroll through graves that go back to the 1700s in the Sinking Spring Cemetery while likely witnessing a murder of American Crows.
Virginia Creeper Trail
Expect to find birds anywhere along the Creeper Trail, but don’t miss the “good spots!” The area around the Watauga section provides easy parking, great vistas, and superb birds. Baltimore Orioles, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Orchard Orioles, White-eyed Vireos, and Meadowlarks are among the vivid frequent flyers. And in the wintertime expect to see large numbers of Wilson’s Snipes and Green-winged Teals on the pond visible from the trailhead on Green Spring Road.
Get Outta Town!
After a refreshing overnight stay in one of Abingdon’s comfy hotels or Air BNBs, head out early to the beautiful region surrounding town for more unforgettable birding sites.
True to its name, Hidden Valley Lake (Abingdon) is off the beaten path, and it’s a great spot for breeding warblers, American Goldfinches, Common Ravens, and Cedar Waxwings.
South Holston Weir Dam (Bristol) has a great walking trail, world-famous fly-fishing, an earthen dam that stretches 285 feet high, and birds that range from Golden-crowned Kinglets to Bald Eagles. In the winter expect to find a huge flock of Buffleheads!
Hungry Mother State Park was one of the first Virginia State Parks opened in 1936, and is now listed as one of many Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trails across the Commonwealth. Spotted Sandpipers and Louisiana Waterthrushes will “bob” onto your life list in the summertime, and the lake is known for big surprises like a Common Loon and a Brown-footed Booby!
The Holston Conference-Emory & Henry Cemetery hasn’t been a birding hotspot for long, but there have already been more than 100 species documented there. While you’re there you can check out a meadow project overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Partners Program.
Arguably the best birding site in SWVA is at the world-famous Saltville Saltville Well Fields (Saltville). With more than 200 species documented, this site defies all expectations for a trail located in the heart of a small town. Summertime warblers, over-wintering waterfowl, woodpeckers, sparrows, herons, cuckoos, vireos, and vultures combine to make this a location you’ll visit over and over.
So dust off your binoculars, get out your field guide, and make your room reservation! You won’t be in a hurry to go home with so many great spots for birding!
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