Coastal birding habitat

Assateague Island National Seashore

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Assateague Island National Seashore is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, and Great Blue Heron among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/13/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wash Flats30 observed

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

7/10/2026Tern Raft1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/10/2026Assateague State Park2 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/9/2026Assateague I. NS--OSV Zone2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/9/2026Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

27/21/2026

Willet

87/21/2026

Sanderling

407/21/2026

Laughing Gull

37/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/21/2026

Least Tern

57/21/2026

Forster's Tern

27/21/2026

Common Tern

27/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Chuck-will's-widow

27/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Glossy Ibis

127/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

117/20/2026

Green Heron

27/20/2026

Great Egret

37/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Brown Pelican

77/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Assateague Island National Seashore for birding?
The best months to visit Assateague Island National Seashore for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Notable species at Assateague Island National Seashore include Wild Turkey, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Birding at Assateague Island National Seashore is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Assateague Island National Seashore?
Assateague Island National Seashore offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.