Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
$5 per vehicle
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
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Common Gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus varius
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wood Duck
American Woodcock
Osprey
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Common Yellowthroat
Prairie Warbler
Canada Goose
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Tricolored Heron
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Red-winged Blackbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
- 5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- False Cape State Park
- First Landing State Park
- Virginia Aquarium
More in Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.
Huntley Meadows Park
DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.
Great Falls Park
Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.
Virginia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Virginia →