Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail - Virginia Beach, VA
Posted by: Hikenutty
N 36° 57.997 W 076° 06.745
18S E 400976 N 4091747
The State of Virginia has a large birding trail system that is developed to highlight the state's large variety of birds. This location is part of the Eastern Shore Loop of the Coastal Trail.
Waymark Code: WM4G2N
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 08/19/2008
Views: 106
The State of Virginia has a large birding trail system that is developed to highlight the states birds. This location is site CES-01 of the Eastern Shore Loop of the Coastal Trail. It is unique in that it is located on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel.
The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail gives this information about the location:
$12 one-way fee, $5 return trip if made within 24 hours. Birding site locations available to the public are the southernmost island located 3 1/2 miles offshore from Virginia Beach and the scenic overlook located at the northern end of the facility. To access the second, third or fourth islands, individuals and groups must make application for permission and pay a fee in advance prior to their planned trip. To obtain an application visit www.cbbt.com or write the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Dept. 001, P.O. Box 111, Cape Charles, VA 23310-0111, (757) 331-4565 (fax). The birding habitat consists of concrete, steel, asphalt, and rock islands located in open water. These manmade islands support the bridge and provide rest stops for migrating shorebirds during spring and fall. The site also picks up numerous unusual or locally rare sightings due to its position out in the bay. Northern gannet, brant, king eider, little gull, great cormorant, purple sandpiper, and rarities such as black-tailed gull make this the best winter birding site in Virginia. The presence of occasional harbor seals and wintering whales add to the allure of this venue. Access to the islands requires written permission from the bridge district.
The area around Seagull Pier doesn't need written permission to visit. This area has parking, a small cafe and gift shop and restrooms, as well as coin-operated binoculars for viewing the birds and the ships that pass over the tunnel area.
Park Name: South Island, Chesapeake Bridge - Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
Sponsoring Organization: State of Virginia
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
Entrance Fee: 12.00 (listed in local currency)
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location: Look out on the manmade breakwater - migrating birds rest out there.
Parking Coordinates: N 36° 57.972 W 076° 06.735
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Visit Instructions: A clear, original image is required to log a visit to a waymark in this category. The image must contain a bird at the site, a nest, or other evidence that visitors partook in the delight of birdwatching at this site. Please tell us about your experience with an identification of a bird or two that you've seen!
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