Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve
Virginia · Southeast
About This Location
Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, and Downy Woodpecker among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.
Location
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Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Virginia Rail
Rallus limicola
Nelson's Sparrow
Ammospiza nelsoni
Piping Plover
Charadrius melodus
Red Knot
Calidris canutus
Western Sandpiper
Calidris mauri
Nelson's Sparrow (Interior)
Ammospiza nelsoni
Black Tern
Chlidonias niger
Willet (Western)
Tringa semipalmata
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
American Crow
Fish Crow
European Starling
Mourning Dove
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Royal Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
White Ibis
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
Amenities
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 →