In 2017, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) initiated its single largest construction project ever — expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. While this critical infrastructure is vital to the movement of people, goods and services into and out of the Tidewater region, one of the anchoring islands had come to support Virginia’s largest colony of seabirds. In a groundbreaking conservation success story, the DWR and partners have been able to provide alternative nesting habitat to the thousands of birds that were displaced by this construction and remain committed to providing nesting habitat for the colony in the years to come.
History of Seabird Conservation at Hampton Roads
Today, the HRBT complex supports the largest breeding seabird colony in all of Virginia. But did you know that the history of seabird conservation at this site actually dates back to the early 1980s?
Learn moreWhat are Seabirds?
Nine species of seabirds breed in Virginia, including several species of terns and gulls, black skimmers, brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants.
Learn moreWhat is DWR’s Role?
DWR is working to provide temporary habitat for the displaced seabirds as well as a permanent solution for the colony’s future.
Learn morePartners
We couldn’t accomplish this massive endeavor alone! A wide array of partners have come together to provide this new nesting solution for the HRBT seabird colony.
Learn more
How to View the HRBT Seabird Colonies
Even though the HRBT embayment is closed to the public, there are other ways to view these birds.
Learn moreReport a Banded Seabird
Have you seen a banded seabird? Help us with data collection by reporting that observation.
Submit a ReportArchived Updates
HRBT September Update: So Long and Thanks for all the Fish!
In the last blog of the 2021 HRBT seabird colony season, encouraging news about this year's results and some exciting plans for the future. Read more…
HRBT August Update: Empty Nest Syndrome
The breeding grounds on Ft. Wool look distinctly different as the juvenile seabirds continue to fledge. Read more…
HRBT July Update: Out of the Crèche and into the Corral
We’re delivering a birds-eye view of the recent royal and sandwich tern banding efforts that took place on Ft. Wool. Watch our behind the scenes video highlighting all the action from the crèche to the corral! Watch…
HRBT June Update: On the Crèche of Greatness
Chicks have been spotted on the Fort Wool and barges nesting sites! Read more…
20 Top Places to See Royal Terns and Other Seabirds this Summer
There's much more to seabirds than seagulls! Find great places to view all of Virginia's seabird species this summer. Read more…
HRBT May Update: The Birds are Back in Town
As of this month, not only have all of the remaining species arrived (including state-threatened gull-billed terns), but nesting is also officially underway! Read more…