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:
- Snow Goose
- Canada Goose
- American Black Duck
- Bufflehead
- Willet
- Greater Yellowlegs
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
- Northern Harrier
- American Crow
216 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan 2026 | 10 | John Pancake |
| 21 Jan 2026 | 10 | Herbert Larner |
| 21 Jan 2026 | 9 | Kim Harrell |
| 17 Jan 2026 | 17 | Judy Jones |
| 17 Jan 2026 | 17 | Barbara Houston |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
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.
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.