Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

3/6/2026Seaview Farm1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

3/5/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)3 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

3/1/2026Indiantown Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR--Ramp Road1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

2/28/2026CBBT--North Chesapeake Island (#4)1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

2/27/2026Indiantown Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

22/28/2026

American Herring Gull

12/28/2026

Black Vulture

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

142/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Gray Catbird

12/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

22/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

52/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

22/20/2026

Song Sparrow

52/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

52/20/2026

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.