City of Virginia Beach

Benefiting from a combination of its extreme southeasterly location in Virginia and sitting adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean as well as the  Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach boasts one of the most diverse collections of bird species in the state. Though by most comparisons, this city would be considered a county in neighboring states, it is the will of Virginia that counties and cities be considered equal. That said, there is no “city” in Virginia that holds the variety of habitat found in Virginia Beach. During the winter season, Virginia Beach holds the northern-most populations of several species, including Osprey and Snowy Egret. Rarer winterers include LeConte’s Sparrow & Yellow Rail. While the coastal position might infer that shorebirds are expected as they are both north and south along the coast, many species are actually locally absent along the oceanfront beaches, including: Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Least Sandpiper & Semipalmated Plover.

Major hotspots include Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge which provides an excellent cross-section of several micro-habitats as one moves from the ocean beach towards that marshes of the bay. Pleasure House Point Natural Area has grown to prominence over the years as well, due primarily to its ease of access off of Shore Drive, a major arterial roadway along the south shore of the Chesapeake Bay. First Landing State Park, Stumpy Lake Natural Area, West Neck Creek Natural Area, and False Cape State Park round out some of the other 'high profile' locations scattered around the city.

Notable records of species observed in Virginia Beach include only-state records for Northern Lapwing, Lesser Goldfinch & Ancient Murrelet, as well as a wide list of state-accidental species like Magnificent Frigatebird, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Fork-tailed Flycatcher.

—Rob Bielawski

Hotspots

Stakeout Hotspots

The following hotspots should only be used to input historical records pertaining to a specific staked out rarity, as indicated in the hotspots names.

• stakeout Black-chinned Hummingbird, Blackwater Road (2019)

• stakeout Bullock’s Oriole, South Shore Estates (2020)

• stakeout Lesser Goldfinch, Lago Mar (2016)

• stakeout Varied Thrush, Funnell Street (2022)

• stakeout Western Kingbird, Potters Road (2020)

• stakeout Wood Stork, Pleasant Ridge Road--View Only From Road (2017)

ISS Hotspots

The following hotspots exist only for entering data associated with the International Shorebird Survey (ISS) and should only be used by ISS surveyors.

• VA-ISS-15

• VA-ISS-16

• VA-ISS-39

• VA-ISS-40

• VA-ISS-41

• VA-ISS-42

• VA-ISS-43

• VA-ISS-44

• VA-ISS-45

• VA-ISS-46

• VA-ISS-47

• VA-ISS-48

• VA-ISS-49

• VA-ISS-50

• VA-ISS-51

• VA-ISS-55

Amenities

Living in Virginia Beach, it is easy to take for granted all the wonderful restaurants we have within driving range. Since even local birders will eventually need to stop and grab a bite to eat while out birding, here is a list of my favorite spots with some descriptions as to how they might fit into your day. For out-of-town birders who are here for a weekend, or a vacation, these local favorites should certainly be visited! This list of recommendations will not provide the locations of standard fast food and sit-down restaurants because while you're visiting Virginia Beach, it is my sincere hope that you are able to a true local experience; common restaurants may be found via any GPS or smartphone app, but as birders, it is my bet that "the unusual" is what you are seeking, and this is likely not limited to the birds!