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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/3/2026Chincoteague NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/2/2026the hook2 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

6/2/2026the hook5 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/2/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Figgs Landing Rd.4 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

6/2/2026BS-CNWR NewNOSV1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

115/30/2026

Laughing Gull

35/30/2026

American Herring Gull

45/30/2026

Least Tern

85/30/2026

Common Tern

65/30/2026

Royal Tern

35/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Piping Plover

15/28/2026

Willet

15/28/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

205/28/2026

Dunlin

25/28/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

15/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

175/28/2026

Brown Pelican

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

35/28/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

15/28/2026

Canada Goose

85/28/2026

Sanderling

15/28/2026

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.