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

Loading map...

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

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

Ring-billed Gull

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Osprey

25/29/2026

American Herring Gull

25/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

25/28/2026

Brown Pelican

85/28/2026

Black Vulture

15/28/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

35/28/2026

Sanderling

25/28/2026

Laughing Gull

55/28/2026

Fish Crow

55/28/2026

Black Skimmer

35/26/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/26/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

25/26/2026

Forster's Tern

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

35/26/2026

Great Egret

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/26/2026

Bald Eagle

15/26/2026

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.