Land Fun

On the wing, in the soft and sometimes tempestuous air. Nested in the sheltering canopy of the Appalachians. What do you see and what might you hear? With a two-note shriek, or more muted and varied cry, our feathered friends also reign here.

As a part of the Virginia Birding and wildlife trail, Breaks Interstate Park is home to a wide variety of birds.  Some of those include the Swainson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk and Osprey.

In 2007, Peregrine Falcons were released into the park as the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reintroduced the species into Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky. These birds had been wiped out in the Eastern United States due to the use of pesticides and chemicals such as DDT in the 1940's and 50's. Until the reintroduction effort, the last documented sighting in the state of Virginia was at The Towers in Breaks Park. In April 2011, a pair of Peregrine Falcons were again spotted at Towers Overlook offering hope that members of the species has returned to its historical nesting spot.

Each winter the park participates in the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. The information collected is reported to the Audubon Society, where it is used to determine increases or declines in area species. We welcome public participation in this event. Should you wish to join us, more information is available by contacting the park Visitor Center.

A checklist detailing the different species found here, as well as our ongoing Recent Sighting List are available at the Visitor Center, or may be obtained by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 276-865-4413 ext. 260.

Download our Birding Checklist Brochure here.