Coastal birding habitat

Jamestown Island

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jamestown Island is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup 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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

6/3/2026Machicomoco State Park1 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

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

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/28/2026MBR1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/27/2026Hog Island WMA2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/26/2026Greensprings

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

76/3/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/3/2026

Bald Eagle

16/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/3/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

56/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/3/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/3/2026

American Crow

36/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

56/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

46/3/2026

Barn Swallow

316/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

46/3/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

26/3/2026

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 Jamestown Island for birding?
The best months to visit Jamestown Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Jamestown Island?
Notable species at Jamestown Island include Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jamestown Island?
Birding at Jamestown Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Jamestown Island?
Jamestown Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.