Kiptopeke State Park is an "ecological stopover" on the Atlantic Flyway. Thousands of migratory songbirds stop to rest and eat berries and insects in the park's coastal forest on their way to the southern tropics making the park a great place to do bird research.
White-throated sparrow perched on a tree limb
The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory (CVWO)will be banding songbirds daily from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, August 15 through November 14, 2011.
These birdbanding sessions are open to the public. Research professionals will capture, weigh, measure, and assess the health of birdseach day. This data is collected and distributed tofederal and state conservation agencies to help assess bird populations, impacts of urban development, and conservation planning initiatives. Private programs for large groups or school field trips can be scheduled after September 1, 2011. Private programs can be scheduled by call the park at (757) 331-2267.
Bird researchers inspect the wings of each bird
As you plan your fall vacations, be sure to include a stop at Kiptopeke State Park's Songbird Banding Station. The park features six-bedroom lodges, rental RVs, and a full service campground. It also has a 24-hour, lighted fishing pier.
LOCATION: Located on the eastern shore of Virginia, this park offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay and the chance to explore a unique coastal habitat featuring a major flyway for migratory birds. Kiptopeke is three miles from the northern terminus of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, which has a substantial each-way toll charge, on Route 13. Turn west on Route 704; the park entrance is within a half mile. The park has an area for swimming Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Drive Time: (Bay Bridge Tunnel Traffic may extend time) Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 45 minutes; Richmond, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.
Click here for a Google map. Latitude, 37.169934. Longitude, -75.979292.