Coastal birding habitat

Hog Island Wildlife Management Area

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Hog Island Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 278 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts American White Pelican, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

6/1/2026Camp Morrison1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Wilhelm1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/30/2026Chippokes Plantation State Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

5/30/2026Greensprings Interpretive Trail2 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/29/2026Home1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/29/2026Guinea Marsh--Maryus Road1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/28/2026Mariners' Museum Park/The Noland Trail1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

5/28/2026Personal location, Yorktown1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

165/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/31/2026

Wild Turkey

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/31/2026

Laughing Gull

75/31/2026

Royal Tern

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

75/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

95/31/2026

Osprey

75/31/2026

Bald Eagle

135/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

American Crow

155/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

45/31/2026

Carolina Wren

65/31/2026

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 Hog Island Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Hog Island Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hog Island Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Hog Island Wildlife Management Area include American White Pelican, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hog Island Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Hog Island Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Hog Island Wildlife Management Area?
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.