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

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/21/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/18/2026Western Branch Reservoir1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/17/2026Former Branscome Borrow Pit (private)1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/14/2026Griffin ln.1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/14/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/14/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/12/202615th Bay Street Beach1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/11/2026Thalia Creek West Boardwalk1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/11/2026Fort Monroe1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/9/2026Craney Island Disposal Area (restricted access)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Great Egret

57/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Osprey

37/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Blue Jay

7/19/2026

American Crow

7/19/2026

Fish Crow

7/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

7/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

7/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/19/2026

American Goldfinch

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Clapper Rail

27/19/2026

Killdeer

17/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/19/2026

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.