Coastal birding habitat

Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, and Pileated Woodpecker 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-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

67/13/2026

Laughing Gull

37/13/2026

White Ibis

77/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/13/2026

American Crow

27/13/2026

Barn Swallow

17/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/13/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/13/2026

Field Sparrow

27/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/13/2026

Blue Grosbeak

37/13/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/13/2026

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 Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Notable species at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve include Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Wren. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Birding at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.