Featured Species

The saltmarshes, dunes and forest habitats of Fisherman Island provide a vital link for millions of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, and butterflies to rest and refuel before continuing the rigorous migration to their wintering grounds. It also serves as a breeding and nursery area for numerous bird species. Indeed, the island supports the largest number of nesting royal terns and brown pelicans in Virginia. Our management goals have been aimed at protecting the sensitive natural resources by minimizing human impact to this ecosystem.

A dark bird with an orange bill and a white stripe in the wings flies in front of the ocean

Identification Tips: Length: 16 inches Large shorebird Bright orange, long, thick bill Head and breast black Dark gray back and wings White belly Large white patch on inner wing White uppertail coverts and dark tail Pink legs Adult: Yellow eye Orange orbital ring Juvenile: Eye dark and orbital...

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A large brown pelican in flight

The adult brown pelican is a large dark gray-brown water bird with white about the head and neck. Immatures are gray-brown above and on the neck, with white underparts. Although the Caribbean subspecies resembles the eastern subspecies, the Caribbean brown pelican has a darker non-breeding...

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California least tern flying. A plain, dark blue sky in the background.

Least terns are the smallest member of the gull and tern family. They are approximately 9" in length. Unlike gulls, terns will dive into the water for small fish. The body of least terns is predominately gray and white, with black streaking on the head. Least terns have a forked tail and narrow...

Grey, white and black bird on sand in the foreground

Size: 18 cm (7.25 in) in length. Color: Breeding season: Pale brown above, lighter below; black band across forehead; bill orange with black tip; legs orange; white rump. Male: Complete or incomplete black band encircles the body at the breast. Female: Paler head band; incomplete breast band....

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A Black Skimmer flying at the top of the water scooping up food with it's beak.

Adult Black Skimmers are a medium-sized to large waterbird with a long red and black bill, the lower half being the longest. They also possess a black back and cap, white underparts, very short red legs, and long, pointed wings. Juveniles are similar to adults, but have a mottled black-and-white...

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