Forest birding habitat

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Killdeer 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

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/20/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR3 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/17/2026Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (Northampton Co.)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end56 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end20 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Mockhorn Island WMA--south end2 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/15/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

17/18/2026

Chimney Swift

57/18/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Willet

37/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/18/2026

Laughing Gull

27/18/2026

Royal Tern

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/18/2026

Brown Pelican

157/18/2026

Bald Eagle

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

17/18/2026

American Crow

17/18/2026

Fish Crow

17/18/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story for birding?
The best months to visit Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?
Notable species at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Horned Grebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?
Birding at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?
Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.