Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

During the winter months, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and associated islands becomes one of Virginia Beach’s true hotspots for birders from all over the state. Built in 1960 to link Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore, the bridge-tunnel complex extends about 17 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The four man-made islands that act as entry and exit locations for the two tunnel sections, and the surrounding waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay are a haven for wintering birdlife. The 8.5 miles of bridge & tunnel located north of the toll gate and the southern two islands of the complex, South & North Thimble Islands, are located within the City of Virginia Beach.  The remainder of the complex, which includes the northern pair of islands, South & North Chesapeake Islands, is part of Northampton County. Since all four islands are all man-made, they have been heavily armored with massive rocks to protect the structural components of the tunnels & associated buildings from heavy wave action during nor’easters and other coastal storms. In an area like coastal Virginia where all the natural shorelines are sandy beaches & dunes, these rocky shorelines provide the perfect habitat for a number of species that wouldn’t necessarily be here otherwise, including Purple Sandpipers, Great Cormorants and Harlequin Ducks. The islands also act to funnel the diurnal ebb and flow of the tides around them, producing swift currents that attract prey and predators alike. Under normal operating conditions, only the first island (South Thimble Island) is accessible to the public. This island allows for parking around its perimeter, and there is a restaurant & a fishing pier for public use located on the northwestern corner. The remaining three islands to the north are only accessible with a hired police & CBBT personnel escort. During 2016, several groups hosted tours of the islands by vehicle including the Virginia Society of Ornithology, the Hampton Roads Bird Club, the Northern Virginia Bird Club, and the Hampton Roads Wildlife Enthusiasts Facebook group. Additionally, the Williamsburg Bird Club also organizes a boat trip that provides a unique vantage point of the islands early each February.

In the early months of the year, the coast of Virginia becomes the unofficial ‘front line’ of birding in the state. While interior and higher elevation locations see a large portion of their species head southward in the fall, the coast tends to receive its most interesting species for the winter season. We have species here that simply will not be seen during other times of the year, or in other parts of the state. Waterfowl like Harlequin Ducks, Common (and sometimes King) Eiders, Scoters (Black, Surf & White-winged), Long-tailed Ducks and are some of the target species that are often sought after from the islands. In addition to the waterfowl, many other species make their homes here on the water, including local specialties like: Razorbill, Great Cormorant, Red-necked Grebe, Red-throated Loon and Common Loon. The islands themselves also act as a point of congregation for many species of gulls during winter, of which Iceland, Thayer’s, Glaucous, Black-headed, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are sometimes observed in association with the abundant groups of Ring-billed, Herring & Great Black-backed Gulls. Northern Gannets are also observed in high numbers around the islands, often passing through the channels to and from the ocean or dive-bombing shoals of fish in massive numbers. Shorebirds will often be found on the rocky shorelines as well, with Sanderlings, Purple Sandpipers, and Ruddy Turnstones being the most commonly found species. With a plethora of light poles places along the roadways and on the islands, Peregrine Falcons will often be seen perched, staring down in search of a potential meal of Rock Pigeon or various other choices.

Currently, the CBBT requires a toll of $13 for each one-way crossing of the complex, but with an EZ Pass, the return trip is $8 less (if done so in the same 24 hour period). There are turnarounds on South Thimble Island, and just before each of the two (north & south) toll gates, so one can enjoy the full length of the bridge and turn around legally before the next gate if so desired. An observation area is situated on the north end of the bridge in Northampton County that provides extensive views over the Chesapeake Bay and its eastern shoreline. A full listing of the toll schedule (fees) may be found on the official CBBT website or in this PDF.

Last Revised 9 Mar 2016.