Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.
Birding
Chippokes State Park
757-294-3728, Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov
Chippokes is listed as a part of a birding trail and is next to the Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. Because it's near the James River, salt marshes and wide open areas, Chippokes is great for birding.
Type of birds
The park attracts bald eagles, osprey, kestrels, bobwhite, meadowlarks, green herons, great blue herons, great egrets, tundra swans, wood ducks, etc. Visit eBird for a list of bird observations at the park.
Best time of year to observe
Birding is good year-round. Those with spotting scopes can catch ducks, gulls, bald eagles and tundra swans during winter. During summer, there are many colorful warblers and other song birds.
Best places in the park to observe
The park has no viewing platforms per se, but viewing is good from the beach, behind the visitor center and along trails.
Special birding programs and events
The park offers various nature programs about birds.
Recent blogs about Birds
- Inaugural birding festival to honor Randy Smith, longtime Hungry Mother volunteer
- 5 ways to spend more time in nature in 2024
- Widewater State Park Provides Access to the Potomac River and Aquia Creek
- Brush up on nature at Hungry Mother
- Hungry Mother welcomes back feathered friends
- More recent blogs about Birds.
