Rudee Inlet

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Rudee Inlet is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, and American Herring Gull 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

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

3/1/2026@Naturegirl1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/1/2026Princess Anne WMA--Beasley Tract1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/1/2026Harris Teeter Retention Pond5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

83/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1203/5/2026

American Herring Gull

83/5/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

123/5/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

33/5/2026

Northern Gannet

4203/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

663/5/2026

Brown Pelican

83/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

American Crow

43/5/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

43/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/5/2026

Fish Crow

23/5/2026

Song Sparrow

13/5/2026

Black Scoter

33/4/2026

Mourning Dove

33/4/2026

Sanderling

73/4/2026

European Starling

23/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

Laughing Gull

13/3/2026

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 Rudee Inlet for birding?
The best months to visit Rudee Inlet for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Rudee Inlet?
Notable species at Rudee Inlet include Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rudee Inlet?
Birding at Rudee Inlet is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Rudee Inlet?
Rudee Inlet offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.