Forest birding habitat

Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, American Crow, and Northern Mockingbird 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Indian Walk Lane2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/20/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

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

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/17/2026Lankford Hwy, Cape Charles3 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/17/2026The Scrape1 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

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/14/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/13/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/13/2026CBBT--North Chesapeake Island (#4)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

17/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/20/2026

Laughing Gull

87/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

American Crow

47/20/2026

Carolina Chickadee

67/20/2026

Purple Martin

187/20/2026

Barn Swallow

47/20/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

87/20/2026

European Starling

67/20/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/20/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/20/2026

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 Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform for birding?
The best months to visit Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform?
Notable species at Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform include Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Northern Mockingbird, Hermit Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform?
Birding at Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform?
Kiptopeke State Park - Hawk Platform offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.