This trail is part 4 of a 6 part series! Check out the rest of the trails here.
ESVA in Flight: Birdwatching on the Shore
Grab your binoculars and hit the trail! Bird watching is beloved on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Our peninsula is a major part of the Atlantic Avian Flyway and acts as a “funnel”, encouraging birds to fly along our coastline. You are likely to spot rare breeds of birds during peak migration times and often you’ll see younger birds choose this as their path for migration as well. Check out our top 6 locations as chosen in our 2022 Local’s Choice competition to start your bird watching adventure!
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
- Barrier Islands
- Brownsville Nature Preserve
- Kiptopeke Hawk Watch
- Edward S. Brinkley Seaside Walkway
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
8231 Beach Rd Chincoteague, VA 23336
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. The refuge also provides wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife photography and observation, interpretation, and environmental education. (US Fish and Wildlife)
www.fws.gov/refuge/Chincoteague/
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
32205 Seaside Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310
Because it is at the tip of the Eastern Shore peninsula, the refuge falls within the major avian migration funnel. Enjoy biking and hiking on the 5-mile-long paved trail or follow the Butterfly Trail to a WWII cannon and march overlook.
www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern-shore-virginia
Photo by Bayside Studios Photography
Barrier Islands
Along the Seaside of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the natural beauty of the coastline is protected by a group of barrier islands. As they shift with the wind and tides, these beautiful wonders of nature provide important habitat for birds and other species that call the Shore home. Most of the barrier islands are open up to the high tide line for low-impact, recreational day use but any kind of camping, pets, fires, overnight stays, etc. are prohibited. Be sure to check the Explore our Seaside website for more information about the island you would like to visit and help take care of our wild islands by following Leave No Trace principles.
Brownsville Nature Preserve
11332 Brownsville Rd, Nassawadox, VA 23413
Birds and other wildlife abound at the Brownsville Preserve. From the boardwalk and trails traversing this historic farm, you may see deer, fox, raccoons, blue herons, bald eagles, wild turkeys and many other species of birds. Until TNC purchased Brownsville in 1978, the farm had remained in the Upshur family since 1652. The historic Brownsville House dates to 1803 and continues to welcome neighbors and guests during VVCR’s annual Holiday Open House and Open Farm events. (nature.org)
www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/brownsville-preserve/
Kiptopeke Hawk Watch
3540 Kiptopeke Dr, Cape Charles, VA 23310
The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory conducts hawkwatches at Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in the fall from the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch Platform. Visitors of all ages will be inspired as they learn from experts and other birding enthusiasts. You just might get to spot your first rare bird from the platform! Get a hands-on experience from late September to early November each year.
www.vawildliferesearch.org/raptor-research
Edward S. Brinkley Seaside Walkway
20371 Seaside Rd, Cape Charles, VA 23310
The Seaside Walkway boardwalk, a hidden gem in Northampton County, is just north of Oyster and leads directly to beautiful seaside views. Walk through maritime forestry to a scenic overlook perfect for birding or relaxing.
Where will you wander? This is just the start of your adventures on Virginia’s Eastern Shore! Check out the other trails on our blog: visitesva.com/visit-esva-blog/
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