Coastal birding habitat

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 317 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, 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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/22/202615th View Street Beach Access1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/21/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)3 observed

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

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

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

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/17/2026The Scrape1 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

Least Tern

17/19/2026

Osprey

47/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Black Vulture

47/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

47/17/2026

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 Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for birding?
The best months to visit Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?
Notable species at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel include Northern Gannet, Great Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?
Birding at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel?
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.