Sunset Beach

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sunset Beach is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, and Mourning Dove 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

Surf Scoter

42/28/2026

Bufflehead

152/28/2026

Mourning Dove

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/28/2026

American Herring Gull

42/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/28/2026

Horned Grebe

112/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

32/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

22/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/28/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

12/28/2026

Carolina Wren

12/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

22/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

52/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

72/28/2026

Song Sparrow

42/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

122/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/28/2026

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