Coastal birding habitat

Little Island Park

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Little Island Park is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Tundra Swan, Surf Scoter, and Black Scoter 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

7/20/2026Mackay Island Visitor Center2 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

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR3 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/19/20262693 Caratoke Hwy, Moyock US-NC 36.45572, -76.031441 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

7/19/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/15/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

American Coot

Fulica americana

7/15/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

27/15/2026

Laughing Gull

57/15/2026

American Herring Gull

37/15/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/15/2026

Sandwich Tern

37/15/2026

Royal Tern

67/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/15/2026

Brown Pelican

77/15/2026

Osprey

17/15/2026

Fish Crow

27/15/2026

Purple Martin

47/15/2026

House Sparrow

17/15/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

97/15/2026

Mourning Dove

37/14/2026

Chimney Swift

17/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/14/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

77/14/2026

Forster's Tern

17/14/2026

Common Tern

57/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/14/2026

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 Little Island Park for birding?
The best months to visit Little Island Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Little Island Park?
Notable species at Little Island Park include Tundra Swan, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Little Island Park?
Birding at Little Island Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Little Island Park?
Little Island Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.