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Description
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to protecting local wildlife, specifically migratory birds. The refuge offers several different types of bird habitats. It is nested between the Atlantic Ocean and the freshwater Back Bay. A series of freshwater impoundments provides prime habitat for birds. The impoundement water levels are regulated throughout the year to offer the right habitat for the current species. In the Spring and Summer water level are lowered to provide mudflats for shorebird. In late Fall and Winter, the water level is higher for overwintering ducks and swans.
The grasses and reeds along the trail provide good habitat for several overwintering sparrow species. The Maritime forest found along the dike trail is a good resting place for several migrating warblers during the Fall and Spring. Several raptors are also found on the refuge as well as Kingbirds, Flycatchers, Phoebe, Buntings, Grosbeak. 340 bird species have been observed throughout the refuge so far.
Details
Access
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern corner of the City of Virginia Beach. Back Bay NWR is best explored starting from the Visitor Center parking lot. The trails are accessible by foot and bicycle only. The Back Bay water can be explored by kayak or canoe. There is a kayak launch in the parking lot. The East and West dike trail are alternately opened from April 1st to October 31st. Only a short portion of the two trails that lead to a birding blind is open during the Winter month to provide a safe resting area for the birds in the impoundments. The refuge offers a tram tour in partnership with the bordering False Cape State Park.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture , Reedbeds , Dunes , Sea , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , High water possible , No shadowCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Boat , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Only one dike trail is open at a time. So it is considered an out and back trail. If only exploring the trails to the birding blinds it is possible to make a circular route.