It is a paradox that the most beautiful of all living creatures are often the least noticed. A stroll along any beach in Virginia Beach will reveal dozens of small, delicate birds pecking at crabs or catching insects in mid-air. No one notices them because they blend into the background, their colors so similar to sand and waves as to be nearly invisible.
The irony is that these same birds are some of nature’s most exquisite creations: tiny gems with feathers woven from sunlight and air. Yet few people ever pause to contemplate how much beauty lies hidden around us every day – until it’s too late.
This list may help you notice what was always there but never seen before: a simple reminder that life can be found even on an unremarkable beach if you know where to look. The following is a short list of the most common birds found on the Atlantic coast beaches around Virginia Beach, along with a brief description of each. To find accommodation in Virginia Beach that is friendly for birdwatchers, birding groups, or nature lovers, refer to Bed & Birding.
Sandpiper
These little brown birds are found all along the Atlantic Coast. They have very long beaks which they use to probe in the sand for food.
Sandpipers typically eat small invertebrates such as crabs, clams, and shrimp. They are also known to eat some insects.
Cormorants
Cormorants are large, black birds that can often be seen perched on rocks or posts near the shore. They have long necks, webbed feet, and a sharply hooked beak. Cormorants eat mostly fish, but they will also eat other aquatic creatures such as crabs and crayfish.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is a large bird of prey. It is the fastest animal on earth and can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when diving for food.
Peregrine falcons can be found all along the coast of Virginia Beach. They eat a variety of things, including small mammals, birds, and fish.
Osprey
The osprey is a large raptor that is closely related to the hawks and eagles. It is easily recognized by its white head and brown body.
Ospreys can be found near the coast of Virginia Beach, where they feed on fish. They have a very distinctive hunting technique in which they dive into the water and grab their prey with their talons.
Gulls
There are several different types of gulls that can be found on the Atlantic Coast. They are all white or light-colored and have black markings on their wings.
Gulls typically feed on small fish, crabs, and other crustaceans. They can also be scavengers, feeding on the leftovers from other animals’ meals.
Pelicans
Pelicans are large, aquatic birds that are found near the coast of Virginia Beach. They have a large bill and a pouch under their beak which they use to catch food.
Pelicans eat a variety of things, including fish, crabs, and shrimp. They sometimes also steal food from other animals.
Herons
The Great Blue Heron is the most commonly seen heron around Virginia Beach. Herons are large, wading birds that can be found near the coast but usually prefer to stay on inland rivers and lakes. They have a long neck and legs, and they use their sharp beak to catch fish and other small animals.
Herons typically eat fish, crabs, and other crustaceans by stabbing at their prey with their long pointed beaks.
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