Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
$5 per vehicle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 339 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and American Black Duck 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
Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
Ross's Goose
Anser rossii
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
Cackling Goose (Richardson's)
Branta hutchinsii
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Great Black-backed Gull
American Bittern
Great Egret
Northern Harrier
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Sedge Wren
Carolina Wren
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Swamp Sparrow
Canada Goose
Tundra Swan
American Black Duck
Ring-billed Gull
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
- 5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- False Cape State Park
- First Landing State Park
- Virginia Aquarium
More in Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.
Huntley Meadows Park
DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.
Great Falls Park
Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.