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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/14/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach Access Road2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/14/20265298 Lakeview Road1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/12/2026Pocomoke SF--Blades Road3 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Short-eared Owl (Northern)

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp2 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/11/2026Coardtown Road1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/11/2026Marine Science Consortium1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/10/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/10/2026Chincoteague NWR--Swan Cove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

American Oystercatcher

24/14/2026

Marbled Godwit

14/14/2026

Willet

34/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/14/2026

Laughing Gull

44/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/14/2026

American Herring Gull

84/14/2026

Forster's Tern

24/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/14/2026

White Ibis

394/14/2026

American Goldfinch

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/14/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

14/14/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/14/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

124/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Dunlin

1004/13/2026

Royal Tern

84/13/2026

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.