Kiptopeke Birding Areas - Since 1963, Kiptopeke has been the site of bird population studies. Sponsored by the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory and licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, volunteers capture, examine, weigh, band and release resident and migratory birds each year from mid-August through November. In the raptor research area, hawks, kestrels, osprey and other birds of prey are observed and banded from September through November. Kiptopeke's hawk observatory is among the top 15 nationwide.
Songbird Trail is a 2.42-kilometer (1.5-mile) natural surface trail located in Kiptopeke State Park, featuring a mere 7.35-meter elevation gain. The trail provides access to renowned bird research stations and one of the nation's top 15 hawk observatories, where visitors can observe bird banding and raptor research activities from August through November.