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

Loading map...

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

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/18/2026Coastal Forest WMA tract #508 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/18/2026Farlow Road1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/18/2026Farlow Road1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

4/18/2026Chincoteague NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Chincoteague NWR--Woodland Trail1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

4/18/2026Pitts Landing1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/18/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach3 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

4/17/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/15/2026

American Herring Gull

204/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

24/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

44/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/15/2026

Canada Goose

64/7/2026

Wild Turkey

44/7/2026

Forster's Tern

14/7/2026

Tricolored Heron

14/7/2026

Snowy Egret

14/7/2026

Black Vulture

44/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/7/2026

Northern Harrier

14/7/2026

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.