The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge located in Northampton County, Virginia, at the southern end of the Eastern Shore, and managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1,127 acres (4.56 km2) in size, it was established in 1984. Much of the land was previously part of Fort John Custis, a base used by the United States Air Force until 1981; also within the refuge's boundaries is Fisherman Island, classed as a "Wetland of International Importance". The refuge is used as well for the management and study of endangered species such as the northeastern beach tiger beetle and piping plover.
Located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, this area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge on their voyage south. Favorable weather patterns push migrating species through the area in waves. Clouds of tree swallows swirl overhead and flame orange and black-winged monarch butterflies float aloft. Protected habitats such as these provide critical stopover areas where birds and butterflies can rest and feed before resuming their arduous journey.
