Description
Willis Wharf is famous for the whimbrels that pass through on their way to and from their southern wintering grounds. These shorebirds stop for several weeks during migrations in spring (April – May) and fall (July – September) to congregate on the extensive tidal flats located here. At the peak of migration flocks of several hundred birds may be seen. In addition to the whimbrels, semipalmated sandpipers are abundant here during their migratory passages.
While scanning the tidal flats, look for black-bellied plover, marbled godwit, short-billed dowitcher, dunlin, red knot, willet, and semipalmated plover. Summer birds include black skimmer, American oystercatcher, and a rich variety of gulls, terns, and long-legged waders.
Tip: For the best birding experience, visit this area at low tide (starting at least 2 hours before high tide).
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Willis Wharf (as reported to eBird)
- Marbled Godwit
- Willet
- Dunlin
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Observation Platform
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Observation Platform Location: off of Willis Wharf Rd., Exmore, VA 23350 (just north of 5179 Willis Wharf Rd.)
Coordinates: 37.509019, -75.805509
From US-13 in Exmore, travel east on Rt 178/ Main St at Exmore Stop Light. Continue 0.6 miles as Rt 178 becomes US-13 Business. Turn left (east) on Rt 603/ Willis Wharf Rd and travel 1.8 miles. Turn left into Willis Wharf Harbor parking lot.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.