Coastal birding habitat

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 306 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, and Black Vulture 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

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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/31/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area

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

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast)

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/26/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/25/2026Grandview Nature Preserve3 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/25/2026Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

26/3/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Willet

46/3/2026

Laughing Gull

26/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/3/2026

American Herring Gull

46/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/3/2026

Snowy Egret

36/3/2026

Black Vulture

26/3/2026

Osprey

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/3/2026

American Crow

46/3/2026

Carolina Wren

16/3/2026

European Starling

56/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/3/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/3/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

16/3/2026

Orchard Oriole

26/3/2026

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 Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge include Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge?
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.