Coastal birding habitat

First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, and Cooper's Hawk 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/3/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

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

Sora

Porzana carolina

6/2/2026Little Island Park1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

6/2/2026Little Island Park1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/31/2026

Bufflehead

15/31/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

25/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Laughing Gull

15/31/2026

Gull-billed Tern

15/31/2026

Forster's Tern

15/31/2026

Common Tern

55/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

505/31/2026

Brown Pelican

25/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

American Crow

95/31/2026

Fish Crow

15/31/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/30/2026

Pine Warbler

15/30/2026

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 First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach for birding?
The best months to visit First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach?
Notable species at First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach include Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagle, American Crow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach?
Birding at First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach?
First Landing State Park - Campground/Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.