Forest birding habitat

Messick Point

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Messick Point is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Green-winged Teal 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

7/19/2026Norfolk Botanical Gardens1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/19/2026Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/19/2026Machicomoco State Park1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

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

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

7/14/2026Grandview Nature Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

7/14/202611th View Street Public Beach Access1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

7/12/2026Newport News Park--Campground Area1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/12/202615th Bay Street Beach1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/11/2026Fort Monroe1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/9/2026Craney Island Disposal Area (restricted access)3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/9/2026Craney Island Disposal Area (restricted access)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/7/2026Gloucester Point Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

47/7/2026

Laughing Gull

27/7/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/7/2026

American Herring Gull

67/7/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/7/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/7/2026

Barn Swallow

37/7/2026

European Starling

267/7/2026

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 Messick Point for birding?
The best months to visit Messick Point for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Messick Point?
Notable species at Messick Point include Brant, Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Messick Point?
Birding at Messick Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Messick Point?
Messick Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.