Coastal birding habitat

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts American Oystercatcher, Killdeer, and Dunlin 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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/16/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

4/16/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Razorbill

Alca torda

4/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritima

4/16/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/16/2026Figgs Landing Rd.1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/15/2026Chincoteague NWR--Swan Cove2 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

4/15/2026Assawoman Island (no access 15 Mar-15 Sep)1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

4/14/2026Lucas Creek, Bloxom US-VA 37.78729, -75.541324 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

Short-eared Owl (Northern)

Asio flammeus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/16/2026

American Black Duck

44/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

34/16/2026

American Oystercatcher

64/16/2026

Black-bellied Plover

44/16/2026

Killdeer

24/16/2026

Marbled Godwit

44/16/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

44/16/2026

Willet

1004/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/16/2026

Sanderling

64/16/2026

Dunlin

4004/16/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

84/16/2026

Laughing Gull

204/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

64/16/2026

American Herring Gull

204/16/2026

Black Skimmer

44/16/2026

Forster's Tern

204/16/2026

Royal Tern

84/16/2026

White Ibis

14/16/2026

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 - Toms Cove Visitor Center for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center include American Oystercatcher, Killdeer, Dunlin, Ring-billed Gull, Brant. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.