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.
Taylor Pond Trail is a 0.32-kilometer easy walking path located in Kiptopeke State Park, with an elevation of 8.79 meters. The trail features one of the nation's top 15 hawk observatories and provides access to significant bird banding stations where visitors can observe wildlife researchers studying both resident and migratory birds from August through November.