Shared by David Gunnells, Assistant Park Manager, as Guest Blogger.

It is time to start making plans to attend the 2016 Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival. The festival coincides with the migration of millions of birds along Virginia’s Eastern Shore October 6-9, 2016.

Visit Kiptopeke State Park during the Birding and Wildlife Festival

to see pelicans in flight

Visitors to the shore have the opportunity to view hundreds of bird species in one place. From the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge in the south to Chincoteague Island in the north people can find birding and other related activities during the weekend of the Birding and Wildlife Festival, October 6 – 9, 2016. 

Visitors can also view the incredible scenery, enjoy local seafood and wines, or shop at the many local boutiques.

On Saturday October 8th once again Kiptopeke State Park will host a variety of free activities for children and adults from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: 

During that time there will be a live animal display of Lola the Screech Owl, bird migration game, junior ranger program, a touch table, and wagon rides. You can also take a walk along the beach or on one of the many hiking trails in the park.

These programs will be running continuously throughout the day. Everything will start at the picnic area.

There are plenty of parking and restrooms are close by. Our staff will be available to answer questions and help you get the most from you visit. You can take part in one of our programs or set out on your own to explore the park.

Bird watchers can view many different bird species as well as other wildlife at Kiptopeke State Park during the Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival

Kiptopeke State Park is a great place to experience the nature of the Eastern Shore. The park has a variety of habitats from beaches to open fields to mature maritime forests. This variety in habitat provides the right conditions for many different bird species as well as other wildlife. In just a short walk, visitors to the park can see brown pelicans and blue herons on the beach and then bald eagles and hawks in the forest.

Birds aren’t the only wildlife found at Kiptopeke State Park. There is also the opportunity to visit the butterfly garden or the native plant garden to see butterflies and other pollinators. Deer, foxes, and turtles, among others, are often seen while walking the trails at Kiptopeke.

Plenty of free activities for the entire family are planned throughout the day

In addition to the activities taking place at Kiptopeke State Park, there will be a number of programs taking place all along the Eastern Shore that weekend. These include winery tours, kayak trips, guided hikes, and chartered boat tours. Many of these programs will require advance registration and have a fee. For more information please visit the website for the Eastern Shore Birding Festival.

A free shuttle runs all day between the park and Sunset Beach Resort. Entrance is free to those who mention the birding festival.

Kiptopeke State Park is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, 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. For directions to the park, click here.