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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Indian Walk Lane2 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

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/17/2026Lankford Hwy, Cape Charles3 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

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

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

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/13/2026CBBT--North Chesapeake Island (#4)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

17/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Laughing Gull

87/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

American Crow

47/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

67/20/2026

Purple Martin

187/20/2026

Barn Swallow

47/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

87/20/2026

European Starling

67/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/20/2026

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.