VIRGINIA BIRDING HOTSPOTS
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Virginia offers a dramatic array of birding habitats from the Eastern Shore to the mountains of Highland County. Shorebirds, warblers, raptor migration and waterfowl are plentiful throughout this beautiful state. This page highlights some of the local birding hotspots as well as some noteworthy statewide destinations. Whether you travel far or stay in your own backyard, if you take time to watch and observe, you will discover the fascinating beauty of our feathered friends.
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From the Atlantic Ocean on Virginia's eastern border, to the towering Mt. Rogers at its southwest corner, the Commonwealth includes every bird and animal habitat that occurs naturally between Maine and Florida. The state also offers a long history, rich culture, and tradition of warm hospitality to welcome visitors.
Within Virginia's 43,000 square miles of diverse natural habitat, you can find some 400 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 150 species of terrestrial and marine mammals, 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail celebrates this diversity. In fact, it is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. In Virginia, three phases of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state. Trail Guide is available from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. |
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A Few Highlights
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch An excellent place to view the spectacular fall migration of raptors from September through November but the peak occurs in the third week of September. Thousands of Broad-winged Hawks may be seen in one day in the third week of September. Bald Eagles are seen throughout the season, accipiters (Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks and the very occasional Northern Goshawk) are seen primarily in October, and large buteos (Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks and very occasional Rough-legged Hawk) are seen primarily in November. Also in Oct.-Nov. Golden Eagles move through, but on average less than 10 are seen per fall. Located at the Inn at Afton @ the intersection of 250 and I-64 Directions RGHW website Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch 
Chincoteague Birdwatchers know the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge as one of America's finest places for Birdwatching along the East Coast. Bird watching along Assateague Island gives visitors the chance to enjoy the islands' wealth of over 300 species of migratory and resident birds. As you drive over the Chesepeake Bay Bridge Tunnel be sure to stop to observe the birds along the jetties along the edge of the parking lot. In the fall consider stopping at the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory for the annual raptor and song bird migration. Chincoteague is also known for their annual wild pony roundup each summer, made popular by the book Misty of Chincoteague.
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Dutch Gap Conservation Area
411 Coxendale Road Chester, VA 23836 804-748-1623 Maybe closed some weekends, so call ahead to check on hours. Camping available.
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