Birding
Chippokes State Park
757-294-3728, Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov
Chippokes is listed as a part of a birding trail and is next to the Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. Because it's near the James River, salt marshes and wide open areas, Chippokes is great for birding.
Type of birds
The park attracts bald eagles, osprey, kestrels, bobwhite, meadowlarks, green herons, great blue herons, great egrets, tundra swans, wood ducks, etc. Visit eBird for a list of bird observations at the park.
Best time of year to observe
Birding is good year-round. Those with spotting scopes can catch ducks, gulls, bald eagles and tundra swans during winter. During summer, there are many colorful warblers and other song birds.
Best places in the park to observe
The park has no viewing platforms per se, but viewing is good from the beach, behind the visitor center and along trails.
Special birding programs and events
The park offers various nature programs about birds.
Recent blogs about Birds
- A birder’s top 5 Virginia State Parks for birding
- 5 ways to experience High Bridge Trail State Park
- Birding festival 1st weekend in May at Hungry Mother to honor longtime volunteer Randy Smith
- Exploring the new additions to New River Trail State Park
- A "heronious" point of view: great blue herons are nesting
- More recent blogs about Birds.
