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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/3/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Five Forks Causeway, Virginia Beach, Virginia, US (36.877, -76.142)1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/2/20261609 Moores Ln, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.88945, -76.119432 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

6/1/2026Rudee Inlet1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/31/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

5/31/2026Rudee Inlet1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve2 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

26/2/2026

Laughing Gull

26/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

86/2/2026

Great Egret

36/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

46/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/2/2026

Pine Warbler

16/2/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/2/2026

Chimney Swift

36/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

36/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/2/2026

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.