Rudee Inlet

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Rudee Inlet is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/6/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/6/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area2 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

3/6/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Pleasure House Point Natural Area1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/6/2026Harris Teeter Retention Pond1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026**Back Bay NWR32 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

3/5/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

23/6/2026

Bufflehead

33/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

303/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

703/6/2026

American Herring Gull

23/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

23/6/2026

Horned Grebe

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

503/6/2026

Brown Pelican

43/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Palm Warbler

13/6/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

13/6/2026

Laughing Gull

63/6/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

4803/6/2026

Northern Gannet

503/6/2026

Fish Crow

43/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

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 Rudee Inlet for birding?
The best months to visit Rudee Inlet for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Rudee Inlet?
Notable species at Rudee Inlet include Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rudee Inlet?
Birding at Rudee Inlet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rudee Inlet?
Rudee Inlet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.