Where to Go Birding in Virginia

You may not think of yourself as a birder, but if you’ve ever admired a soaring falcon, peered over the river at a stately heron, or appreciated the familiar coos of a mourning dove, you’re basically on the way. Virginia is an ideal destination for birding, with 400 species of birds to discover.

You don’t have to identify every species you see in your own field guide. All it takes to start is getting outside and looking up, preferably with binoculars. But once you find your first bird, who knows? You might just catch the formal birding bug.  

Spread your wings and explore birding opportunities around Virginia with our guide, which includes top sights, species to look out for, and more fun things to do in the area.
 

JUMP TO: Birding Regions | Birding Destinations | Know Before You Go 

What is the Atlantic Flyway?

Why is Virginia so great for birding? One of the reasons is because we’re a prime spot on the Atlantic Flyway, the north-south migratory flight path for hundreds of different bird species.

Other factors that contribute to our bird diversity are our topography and mild climate.

Fun Fact: There are four major flyways crossing the United States – Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific.  

Virginia’s Birding Regions

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources divides the state into three large zones on the Bird & Wildlife Trail, each with over a dozen loops to explore the area and spot birds.

Coastal

The trail’s Coastal section is home to several prime spots on the Atlantic Flyway, including the Eastern Shore Loop and the Seashore to Cypress Loop. Expect to see a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and migrating songbirds.

Piedmont

Grasslands, forests, and large reservoirs in the Piedmont region are home to bobolinks, meadowlarks, turkey, indigo buntings, and prairie warblers. This is an expansive area, stretching all the way from the northernmost part of Virginia to Stuart in the southwest and Greensville in the southeast.

Mountain

Birds appreciate a scenic Mountain vista as much as humans. See the warblers, migrating hawks, owls, and grouse that populate the Blue Ridge, Allegheny, and Cumberland Mountains.

Spotlight on these Birding Destinations

There are several standout birding destinations in Virginia. Consider a trip to one of these locations, and check out what we recommend doing nearby while you’re in town.
 

Kiptopeke State Park

The Eastern Shore is a top locale for birding, and Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles should definitely be on your list. You can even join a group hike to spot migratory birds, or camp out in a cabin, lodge, or yurt to extend your birding adventure.  

Kiptopeke is part of DWR’s Eastern Shore Loop, close to other sites including the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, and Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area.

Look Out For These Species: Laughing gull, red-breasted merganser, Carolina wren, brown-headed nuthatch, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and more shorebirds and water birds

Things to Do Nearby 

You’re close to Cape Charles, an ideal destination for a quiet bayside getaway.

• Stay in the downtown area at Hotel Cape Charles and pop into local shops and galleries
• Get a taste of local seafood at Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery and a scoop of ice cream at Brown Dog
• Enjoy a day on the beach or get out on the water on a kayak tour
• Share a glass of wine and birding stories at Chatham Vineyards

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

On the northernmost tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge may be best known for its ponies, but it’s a top birding destination, too. Stop by the visitor center for a bird checklist to start your exploration.

More than 320 species of birds are known to frequent Chincoteague NWR during migration, and you can expect more than a hundred different species at any given time during the year.

Look Out For These Species: Ruddy turnstone, red knot, semipalmated sandpiper, swans, snow geese, piping plover, raptors

Things to Do Nearby 

Chincoteague Island is a great place to spend a weekend, no matter the season.

• Dine at Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks (dinner is great, and their brunch is underrated) or snag tacos from Pico Taqueria
• Walk the short trail to the historic Assateague Lighthouse at Chincoteague NWR
• Enjoy shaded picnic areas, gardens, and pony proximity when you stay at Refuge Inn

Tangier Island

A truly one-of-a-kind experience for travelers, visiting Tangier Island can also be a great opportunity to spot migratory birds. You can only access the island by a ferry from Reedville on the mainland.

Kayak the water trails around the island and spot birds that are also visiting the isolated island, drawn to the habitats provided by the marshland.

Look Out For These Species: Belted kingfisher, brown pelicans, American oystercatcher, osprey, Northern gannet, black skimmer, Forster’s tern, gulls

Things to Do Nearby 

Tangier Island is a must for those interested in Virginia’s coastal history.

• Since you’ll probably take the ferry from Reedville, stop by the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum
• Visit sites like the Tangier Island History Museum and the Swain Memorial Methodist Church, the oldest building left on the island
• Stay at Ma Margaret’s House Bed & Breakfast in Reedville

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A 112,000-acre refuge shared between Virginia and North Carolina, the Great Dismal Swamp NWR is home to over 200 avian species. It is included on DWR’s Suffolk Loop, close to Lake Cohoon and Lake Meade Park.

Expect canals, ponds, lakes, sphagnum bogs, marshy borders, and more unique wetlands environments when visiting the Great Dismal Swamp. Best explored along the trails and roads, the refuge is home to Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.  

Look Down, Too: You may be there for the birds, but you won’t be able to miss the diverse species of reptiles and amphibians that also call the swamp home.

Look Out For These Species: Yellow-billed cuckoo, woodpeckers, ovenbird, Louisiana waterthrush, Eastern wood-pewee

Things to Do Nearby 

Make Chesapeake or Suffolk your home base for a Great Dismal Swamp adventure.

• Do more wildlife spotting at the Great Dismal Swamp, from cricket frogs to the American black bear
• See local and regional art, ballet, a concert, or a symphony performance at Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts
• Keep the nature-forward fun going by visiting Chesapeake Arboretum and Oak Grove Park

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

You might not expect the urban center of Virginia Beach to be home to a key birding location, but Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in the city’s southeastern corner is a must. It is on DWR’s Seashore to Cypress Loop.

Established in 1938 to protect migrating and wintering waterfowl, Back Bay welcomes hikers, birders, and other wildlife watchers. You can even join a seasonal tram tour of the refuge or make your way to False Cape State Park for more spotting opportunities.

Look Out For These Species: Ducks, tundra swans, snow geese, LeConte’s sparrow, yellow-rumped warbler, Hudsonian whimbrel, gulls

Things to Do Nearby 

Virginia Beach has something for everyone, whether you want to keep the quiet, natural vibes going or turn up the party.

• Visit Sandbridge for a more laid-back beach experience, or walk the iconic oceanfront boardwalk for all the action
• Shop from small businesses and see local art in the ViBe Creative District
• Keep planning your Virginia Beach getaway with our complete guide

Mason Neck State Park

Mason Neck State Park is a birder’s paradise just outside the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. Right on the Potomac, it’s fitting that it is a common spot to find bald eagles.

DWR has a loop in the Piedmont Region called Mason Neck, which includes the park and the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Pohick Bay Regional Park, and Huntley Meadows Park.

Look Out For These Species: Bald eagles, raptors, vultures, hawks, Caspian tern, wood thrush, ovenbird, great-crested flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo

Things to Do Nearby 

There’s plenty to do in Fairfax County, plus nearby Alexandria and Arlington.

• For walkable shopping and dining, stay at either the Tysons or Mosaic District locations of the Archer Hotel
• Peruse the shops at Eden Center and leave plenty of room to try several different family-owned Vietnamese restaurants
• Head out on bikes on the W&OD Trail, which runs from Shirlington to Purcellville
• Make the trip north to Old Town Alexandria for waterfront shopping, brick-lined streets, and a free art museum with dozens of working artist studios

Dutch Gap Conservation Area

Just south of Richmond in Chesterfield County, Dutch Gap Conservation Area stretches over 800 acres of woodlands and waterways. Known for its blue heron rookery high in the marsh, the area is a historic draw as it is nearby the 1611 Citie of Henricus and Henricus Historical Park.

You’ll find Dutch Gap on the Appomattox Loop, along with Pocahontas State Park and Richmond National Battlefield Park. Start down the 4.5-mile Dutch Gap Trail or embark on the 2.5-mile Lagoon Water Trail and spot birds from your kayak.

Look Out For These Species: Great blue heron, Eastern kingbird, Northern shoveler, gadwall, blue-winged teal, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, killdeer

Things to Do Nearby 

Explore all the Richmond region has to offer, from James River adventures to unforgettable dining and arts experiences.

• Check out museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (free!) and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Navigate the rapids that rush through downtown Richmond on the James River
• Stay at the Quirk Hotel, a boutique property in the heart of the Arts District
• Get our dining guide for must-eat restaurants

New to Birding? You Should Probably:

• Know Best Practices. Read the Principles of Birding Ethics so you can make sure you’re being a good friend to the birds, as well as our environment.  
• Download the Field List. The Birds of Virginia Field List is maintained by the Virginia Avian Records Committee; use it as a reference when you’re out spotting birds.   
• Bring a Friend. Two pairs of eyes are better than one! If you’re traveling to a new location, see if there is a local bird club in the area that you can ask for guidance.
• Use the Bird & Wildlife Trail. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has an online tool called Explore the Wild that will help you navigate the trail and find top birding sites near you.  
• Get Help Identifying. The Merlin Bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is free and will help you identify birds by sight and sound.

Get more information on wildlife observation in Virginia and start planning your birding trip today.