These 33 Beautiful Shots Of Birds In Virginia Are Majestic

According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, there are more than 400 species of large birds in Virginia. From the seashore to the mountains, Virginia is home to every naturally occurring species on the East Coast. That's pretty impressive. And thanks to incredible efforts of conservation groups, previously scarce or threatened species like eagles and osprey have made a significant comeback in Virginia.

The following pictures have been provided through the artistry of brilliant photographers throughout the state. Thanks to them, even if you are not a "birdwatcher" by definition, you can take a few moments to experience the magnificence of Virginia's birds. Enjoy the view!

1. A Tree Swallow At Belle Haven Marina In Alexandria

The tree swallow was first described in 1807 by a French ornithologist, and even then it stood out for its coloring.

2. Winter Cardinal

It's hard to beat the beauty of a brilliant red cardinal against the crisp white snow.

3. Red-Tailed Hawk

From the face alone we can tell we don't want to cross this guy.

4.. Papa Osprey Bringing Home Dinner On The Potomac River

Often called "sea hawks," Osprey feed on fish rather than mammals.

5. A White-Breasted Nuthatch Gets Creative At The Bird Feeder At Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax

We know how it is. When you've got to eat, you've got to eat!

6. Female Hooded Merganser In Hybla Valley

Is this a bird or a high fashion model? Hard to say.

7. A Great Blue Heron Looks Out From His Perch

These majestic creatures can also be found in Central America, the Caribbean, and occasionally on the Western shores of Europe.

8. American Goldfinch

These migratory birds sometimes travel from Canada all the way to Mexico in search of warmer weather.

9. A Sweet Little Barn Swallow At Huntley Meadows Park

These birds are distinctive for their forked tail.

10. Black-Throated Green Warbler At Natural Chimneys Regional Park, Mt Solon

You can practically hear its sweet crooning from this picture.

11. An Eagle On His Perch At Deep River Basin, Richmond

There is something very stately about the bird that represents the United States.

12. Spring Cardinal…truly the bird for all seasons

Just as it shone against the winter snow, the cardinal looks beautiful amongst spring blooms as well.

13. A Cooper's Hawk With His Lunch

There's no escaping these guys.

14. A Male Downy Woodpecker Trying For A Snack

15. A Great Egret Landing On The Water At Assateague Island

16. Great Horned Owl Looking None Too Pleased

17. Greylag Goose At Byrd Park In Richmond

This bird native to Virginia is known for its orange beak and pink legs.

18. A Family Of Hooded Mergansers - I guess they will grow into their "hair"

19. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds In Flight At Caldeon State Park

It's amazing how graceful birds appear during flight.

20. Mama Osprey And Her Chicks At Belle Haven

Even in the bird world, a mother will always, always provide for her young.

21. Mighty Eagle At The Virginia Living Museum In Hampton

22. Prothonotary Warbler At The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Quite a beautiful bird to be hanging out in a wildlife refuge dubbed "dismal."

23. Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks On A Dinner Date

24. Red-Bellied Woodpecker At The Feeder In Arlington

25. Male Red-Winged Blackbird Giving A Shout Out

26 This Scarlet Tanager Looks Like He Was Painted Into The Scene

27. Seagull At Virginia Beach... sometimes the light works magic

28. And Sometimes It's The Water...

These beautiful shots can almost (almost) make us forget the aggressive cawing of seagulls while you're enjoying a beach day.

29. Swainson's Warbler At The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

30. A Virginia Rail Camouflaged In The Marsh At Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

31. Wild Turkeys On The Run In Charlottesville

You definitely don't want to get on the wrong side of these guys.

32. Wilson's Snipe In Groveton

33. A Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

While these are only a few of the hundreds of birds that call Virginia home, they are truly breathtaking, each in their own way. I would love to know about the types of birds you see most often. Perhaps you have feeders in your yard or back porch -- or maybe you're an active birdwatcher and know the best spots for seeing the widest varieties of Virginia birds. Tell me about your favorites in the comments below!