Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, and Pileated Woodpecker 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

Brant (Black)

Branta bernicla

3/6/2026Seaview Farm1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

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

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

3/1/2026Indiantown Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/1/2026Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR--Ramp Road1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

2/28/2026CBBT--North Chesapeake Island (#4)1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

2/27/2026Indiantown Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

93/5/2026

Wood Duck

23/5/2026

Mallard

13/5/2026

American Black Duck

33/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

73/5/2026

Bufflehead

53/5/2026

Indian Peafowl

13/5/2026

American Coot

53/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

23/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

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 Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Notable species at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve include Canada Goose, Turkey Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, American Crow, Carolina Wren. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Birding at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve?
Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.