Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story

Virginia · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and Killdeer among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Killdeer Ring-billed Gull Horned Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026**Back Bay NWR32 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

3/5/2026Fisherman Island NWR (restricted access)3 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/5/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/5/2026Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.67204, -75.9153814 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.67204, -75.915381 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/4/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Cackling Goose (Richardson's)

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Lake Thrasher1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story for birding?▼

The best months to visit Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?▼

Notable species at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story include Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Horned Grebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?▼

Birding at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story?▼

Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.