Wetland birding habitat

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Woodcock, Greater Yellowlegs, and Great Blue Heron 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

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

Canada Goose

307/13/2026

American Oystercatcher

37/13/2026

Killdeer

17/13/2026

Piping Plover

47/13/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

257/13/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

807/13/2026

Willet

27/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

87/13/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

307/13/2026

Least Sandpiper

507/13/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

187/13/2026

Laughing Gull

857/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/13/2026

American Herring Gull

307/13/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

17/13/2026

Black Skimmer

27/13/2026

Least Tern

17/13/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/13/2026

Forster's Tern

57/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Wash Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats include American Woodcock, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.