Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Tundra Swan, Canada Goose, and Surf Scoter 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

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

3/3/2026Beckwith Farms1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/20266734 Cox Ave, Gloucester US-VA 37.41638, -76.522361 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/1/202623072, Hayes US-VA 37.30346, -76.5501815 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Hickory Hill2 observed

Snow x Canada Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x Branta canadensis

2/21/2026Beaverdam Park--North Entrance1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

2/21/2026Machicomoco State Park3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tundra Swan

503/5/2026

Canada Goose

22/28/2026

Surf Scoter

102/28/2026

Black Scoter

12/28/2026

Bufflehead

92/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/28/2026

Sanderling

52/28/2026

Dunlin

582/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

112/28/2026

American Herring Gull

292/28/2026

Forster's Tern

12/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

22/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Eastern Phoebe

12/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

12/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/28/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve?
Notable species at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve include Tundra Swan, Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Bufflehead. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve?
Birding at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve?
Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.