River/Riparian birding habitat

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Bufflehead 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

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

6/3/2026Newmarket Creek1 observed

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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Camp Morrison1 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

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/31/2026White House Lane1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast)

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/30/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Green Heron

26/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

56/2/2026

Barn Swallow

36/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Pine Warbler

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

36/2/2026

Chimney Swift

15/26/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

Fish Crow

15/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Notable species at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Birding at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve?
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.