Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
$10 per vehicle
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
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
Cory's Shearwater
Calonectris borealis
Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravis
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
Stilt Sandpiper
Calidris himantopus
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius
Swamp Sparrow
Melospiza georgiana
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
American Oystercatcher
Willet
Laughing Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Least Tern
Black Tern
Common Tern
Royal Tern
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Eastern Meadowlark
Black-bellied Plover
Piping Plover
Marbled Godwit
Short-billed Dowitcher
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
- 5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Chincoteague Pony Centre
- NASA Wallops Visitor Center
More in Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.
Huntley Meadows Park
DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.
Great Falls Park
Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.
Virginia Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Virginia →