CBBT--North Scenic Overlook

The overlook is essentially limited to stationary birding, but it provides an excellent spot to view the Bay. It is almost always worth at least a quick scan when traveling across the CBBT. From late November through April, scanning from the overlook will almost certainly yield a good variety of wintering waterbirds, including loons, grebes, scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, gannets, and gulls. Scanning the pilings is a good way to spot Brown Pelicans, and Double-crested Cormorants; in winter, check the latter careful for Great Cormorant. In the spring and summer months, this assortment is exchanged for gregarious congregations of Laughing Gulls, Black Skimmers, and several species of terns. While scoping the Bay is almost always productive, looking for congregations of gulls or terns is more tide- and weather-dependent. During very high tides, the beach will be entirely underwater. However, when the beach is exposed, this can be a good roosting spot for gulls. In harsh weather conditions, gulls and terns may form storm roosts. Fishermans Island lies to the south, and scoping across the inlet will sometimes give distant views of American Oystercatchers and a variety of herons and egrets. In fall, the location at the tip of the shore funnels migrating birds, and the overlook can be a good place to see concentrations of raptors and passerines. During October and November, this is often a good spot to take in the spectacle of hundreds or even thousands of Tree Swallows and search them for lingerers and rarities of other species.

Accessibility: Located along US-13 at the very tip of the eastern shore, just before crossing to Fishermans Island, the CBBT scenic overlook is the perfect place to begin or end an eastern shore birding excursion. It is located on the west side of the divided highway, but there is a turning lane so that it is accessible for northbound vehicles as well. The overlook has ample parking, and offers a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay. There are built in viewing machines in the parking lot, but birders will be better served by bringing a scope. The overlook does not have any beach access, and the portion of Wise Point south of the parking area is clearly posted as off-limits. Birders should also note that the overlook is located south of the CBBT toll plaza, and it is not accessible without paying a toll. The toll rates vary depending on the season, and can be found on the CBBT website.

Owner/Manager & Official Website: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission

eBird Hotspot: CBBT--North Scenic Overlook

—Matt Anthony