three horses grazing in a field with trees in the background

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM to 10 PM

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 350 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/19/2026Boxiron Pond1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/19/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/18/2026Coastal Forest WMA tract #508 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Farlow Road1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Farlow Road1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Chincoteague NWR--Woodland Trail1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/18/2026Pitts Landing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/19/2026

Gadwall

24/19/2026

American Wigeon

24/19/2026

Mallard

154/19/2026

Northern Pintail

34/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

54/19/2026

Mourning Dove

44/19/2026

Killdeer

24/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

144/19/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

804/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

174/19/2026

Dunlin

404/19/2026

Laughing Gull

144/19/2026

American Herring Gull

404/19/2026

White Ibis

504/19/2026

Glossy Ibis

144/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/19/2026

Tricolored Heron

14/19/2026

Snowy Egret

74/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, White Ibis, Turkey Vulture, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM to 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.