a sandy beach next to the ocean under a cloudy sky

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 339 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and American Black Duck among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/17/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

6/16/2026Princess Anne WMA--Beasley Tract1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/16/2026Pocaty River Bridge (Virginia Beach Side)2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

6/16/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

6/16/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

6/16/2026Stumpy Lake Natural Area6 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/15/2026VA-ISS-161 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/15/2026VA-ISS-151 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

16/17/2026

Prairie Warbler

16/17/2026

Mourning Dove

16/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/17/2026

American Crow

16/17/2026

Tree Swallow

26/17/2026

Carolina Wren

26/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/17/2026

Common Grackle

106/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/17/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/17/2026

Wood Duck

16/16/2026

Laughing Gull

6/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

6/16/2026

Forster's Tern

16/16/2026

Royal Tern

16/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

46/16/2026

Barn Swallow

6/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.