Coastal birding habitat

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, 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

7/21/20265298 Lakeview1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

Great Shearwater

Ardenna gravis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

7/20/2026Chincoteague NWR--Toms Cove Hook (no access Mar 15-Aug 31)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026Chincoteague NWR--Black Duck Marsh1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/16/2026Chincoteague NWR--Wildlife Loop1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Saxis WMA3 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

7/15/2026Saxis WMA4 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/15/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

27/21/2026

Willet

1257/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Laughing Gull

47/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

17/21/2026

Least Tern

17/21/2026

Forster's Tern

27/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/21/2026

Snowy Egret

17/21/2026

Great Egret

17/21/2026

Canada Goose

67/18/2026

Clapper Rail

17/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

17/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

77/18/2026

American Herring Gull

57/18/2026

Black Skimmer

17/18/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/18/2026

Common Tern

77/18/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove include Brant, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.