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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

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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

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/2/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach2 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Pitts Landing1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/27/2026Chincoteague Island Nature Trail1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026Assateague Island (Virginia)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush (Olive-backed)

Catharus ustulatus

5/26/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wildlife Loop1 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

5/26/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach2 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Savannah)

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/24/2026Arbuckle Neck Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

16/2/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

16/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

26/2/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

86/2/2026

Willet

36/2/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

456/2/2026

Red Knot

86/2/2026

Sanderling

156/2/2026

Laughing Gull

6/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

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.