Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Sanctuary
Why pick this one
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge offers birding and wildlife observation across habitat supporting 187 recorded bird species.
Best for
- birders seeking winter ducks, geese, warblers, osprey, raptors, wading birds, or shorebirds
- nature photographers
- wildlife observers interested in reptiles, amphibians, and mammals
- visitors seeking hiking or biking opportunities
- fishing access during scheduled Open Roads Days
Look elsewhere if
- visitors require an open staffed visitor contact station
- visitors need guaranteed vehicle access to the office entrance road
- visitors are seeking unscheduled deer hunting
Specialties
- migratory bird habitat conservation
- winter waterfowl viewing
- marsh bird observation
- wildlife photography
- wildlife observation
What makes them different
- The refuge has recorded 187 bird species.
- Winter visitors include tens of thousands of mallards, teal, gadwall, and wood ducks.
- The refuge includes lands on Knotts Island in Currituck County and in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Open Roads Days provide wildlife-viewing and fishing access on roads normally closed to public vehicles.
- The office and visitor contact station are currently closed; the office entrance gate may open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., subject to staff availability.
- Serves
- Knotts Island, Virginia Beach
Distilled from this business's own website.
Contact & Location
- Phone
- +12524293100
- Website
- https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mackay_island
- mackayisland@fws.gov
Services
- birding
- hiking
- biking
- nature photography
- wildlife observation
- fishing access during Open Roads Days
- public deer hunting on designated dates