Coastal birding habitat

CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1)

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Northern Gannet, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/17/2026Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Northampton Co.)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end56 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end20 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end2 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/14/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/14/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

7/13/2026Rudee Inlet1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/13/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Tern

17/17/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) for birding?
The best months to visit CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1)?
Notable species at CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) include Red-breasted Merganser, Northern Gannet, Double-crested Cormorant, Brown Pelican, Osprey. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1)?
Birding at CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1)?
CBBT - South Thimble Island (#1) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.