Description
*NOTE: Effective October 1, 2017, the southernmost island of the CBBT will be CLOSED to all public to allow for the construction of the Parallel Thimble Shoal Tunnel. Public access is still available at the scenic overlook at the northern end of the CBBT. To access the northernmost island (referred to as the “fourth island”), individuals or groups must make application for permission and pay a fee in advance of their planned trip. To obtain an application, visit www.cbbt.com or write the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, 32386 Lankford Highway, Cape Charles, VA 23310, (757) 331-2960.
This birding habitat consists of manmade islands located in the open water with views of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The islands, which are constructed of concrete, steel, asphalt and rock, support the underwater tunnels and provide rest stops for migrating shorebirds during spring and fall. The site also picks up numerous unusual or locally rare sightings due to its position in the Chesapeake Bay. Northern gannet, brant, king eider, little gull, great cormorant, purple sandpiper, and rarities such as black-tailed gull make this the best winter birding site in Virginia. The presence of occasional harbor seals and wintering whales add to the allure of this venue.
The jetties and rocks surrounding the 4th island are a gathering place for gulls, brown pelicans, and overwintering purple sandpipers. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease
Notes:
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel:
- Rock Pigeon
- American Herring Gull
- Great Black-backed Gull
- Surf Scoter
- Razorbill
- Northern Gannet
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Ring-billed Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Brown Pelican
317 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Jan 2026 | 3 | Kriss Replogle |
| 24 Jan 2026 | 4 | Mitchell Barry |
| 22 Jan 2026 | 7 | John Pancake |
| 15 Jan 2026 | 3 | Alan Wells |
| 9 Jan 2026 | 1 | Jennifer and Scott Martin |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Maps & Directions
Southbound Travelers: Travel US Route 13 South and “Follow the Gulls” to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Northbound Travelers:
From I-95 North, take exit 11A at Emporia, VA. This is Route 58 East which will lead to I-64 West. From I-64, take exit #282, Northampton Boulevard (Route 13 North), which will lead directly to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
From I-64 East or West, take exit #282, Northampton Boulevard (Route 13 North).
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.