Meet at 8:00 AM in the parkig lot of the Visitors Center.

A winter visit to this favorite coastal habitat will provide great views of waterfowl, raptors, and marsh birds. Due to the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Back Bay Restoration Foundation, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) has returned to Back Bay and the waterfowl have returned with it. Many species are being seen lately, right behind the Visitors Center. Tundra Swan, Snow Geese (even Ross’ Geese!), Canvasbacks, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser and more. American Bitterns have been unusually common this winter (four seen in one day), and are frequently seen near the Bay Trail. Offshore, Northern Gannet, Red-throated Loon, Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers and a variety of gulls are being seen; including more Lesser Black-backed Gulls than you would have imagined just a few years ago. Even Razorbills have been sighted recently, along with pods of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and several Hump-backed Whales! Even though most of the impoundments south of the Visitors Center are closed for the winter, easy-walking trails with a view of the Bay and the Ocean are open for our use and will allow good viewing of plenty of wildlife.  Click here for a list of species seen on our Back Bay field trip last winter.

To reach Back Bay NWR in southern Virginia Beach, follow Sandbridge Road to the oceanfront and turn right (south) onto Sandpiper Road. Follow it, about 4 miles, all the way to its end, just past Little Island Park. Turn left, enter the Refuge gate, and follow the paved road 1 mile to the Visitors Center. There is no entrance fee to the refuge in winter, when the main dikes are closed. Wind-driven temperatures can be frigid at Back Bay, so dress accordingly. (Our trip last year started at 18 F degrees!) Snacks and a thermos of soup would be a good idea. This walk should end around noon.