Sept. 29, 2012

Hawk & Warbler Watch at Kiptopeke State Park

Register now or call 757-595-9135.

Fifty years ago six volunteers founded a bird banding station at the Kiptopke Ferry Landing realizing that the wooded area was a natural funnel for migrating birds.  Large numbers of birds fly down the through the Eastern Shore as they migrate south along the Atlantic Flyway.  We have a good chance of spotting bald eagles, kestrels, sharp-shinned hawks, and even peregrine falcons at one of the best birding spots on the Atlantic coast.  Plus we can celebrate the 50th year of bird banding at this site.  We’ll watch for hawks and observe field researchers from the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory in action as they trap, band and release songbirds temporarily captured in woodland mist nets. Since we’re at the shore, we’ll even have time for a little beachcombing!  It’s a great way to spend a day.