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

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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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Cliff Swallow (pyrrhonota Group)

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/1/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve2 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

5/31/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/25/2026Grandview Nature Preserve3 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

5/25/2026Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow (Interior)

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/24/2026Box Tree Marsh1 observed

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

5/23/2026First Landing SP--Campground/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Turnstone

45/23/2026

Sanderling

125/23/2026

Least Tern

35/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

255/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/23/2026

Brown Pelican

205/23/2026

Black Vulture

15/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/23/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/23/2026

American Crow

15/23/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/23/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/23/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/23/2026

Carolina Wren

25/23/2026

European Starling

85/23/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/23/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/23/2026

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.