Forest birding habitat

Willis Wharf

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Willis Wharf is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Black Duck, and Bufflehead 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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/14/2026Wachapreague--Back Bays1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/14/2026Cedar Island3 observed

Great Egret (African)

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Deep Creek1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

4/6/2026Deep Creek1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/4/20267514 Property1 observed

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

4/4/2026Finney Creek, Onley US-VA (37.6192,-75.6739)2 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/3/2026Wachapreague--Back Bays3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

64/14/2026

Willet

44/14/2026

Laughing Gull

44/14/2026

Black Skimmer

404/14/2026

European Starling

24/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/14/2026

Bufflehead

24/10/2026

Marbled Godwit

554/10/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

94/10/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

134/10/2026

Dunlin

2004/10/2026

Ring-billed Gull

274/10/2026

American Herring Gull

94/10/2026

Forster's Tern

24/10/2026

Royal Tern

84/10/2026

Fish Crow

54/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/10/2026

Canada Goose

24/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

14/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/2/2026

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 Willis Wharf for birding?
The best months to visit Willis Wharf for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Willis Wharf?
Notable species at Willis Wharf include Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Short-billed Dowitcher. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Willis Wharf?
Birding at Willis Wharf is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Willis Wharf?
Willis Wharf offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.