Description
The entire Town of Occoquan, located along the Occoquan River, has been designated as a bird sanctuary. For a quiet and scenic view of the river, with access to riparian woodlands, visitors can cross the footbridge near the water treatment facility, turn right and walk along the quiet road. Walnut, sycamore, princess tree, and tulip poplar trees shade this roadway. An understory of grapevine, poison ivy, and greenbriar provide food and cover for songbirds. Roadside plants such as Queen Anne’s lace, passionflower, and trumpet vine provide food for ruby-throated hummingbird and a variety of butterflies. The bridge allows a good opportunity to look for the locally common mallard, Canada goose, and belted kingfisher. Additional waterfowl occur during winter.
Wildlife Sightings
115 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Town of Occoquan:
- Canada Goose
- Mallard
- Redhead
- Bufflehead
- Common Merganser
- Ring-billed Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Carolina Wren
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Feb 2026 | 10 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 4 Feb 2026 | 19 | John Aleknavage |
| 11 Jan 2026 | 3 | Sam Sparks |
| 5 Jan 2026 | 8 | Sam Sparks |
| 2 Jan 2026 | 4 | Larry Therrien |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
From I-95 South, take Exit 160/SR 123 North, approximately 0.7 miles to Commerce Street. Turn left, drive 1 block, turn right on Washington Street, proceed one block, turn left on Mill Street, go 3 blocks and park near the dead end by the water treatment plant.
Site Information
Managed By:
- Town of Occoquan
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- (703) 491-1918 x11 occoquantownhall@aol.com
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.