Coastal birding habitat

Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, and Eastern Meadowlark 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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/15/2026Saxis WMA3 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

7/15/2026Saxis WMA4 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

Semipalmated Plover

207/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

507/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

107/21/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

207/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

1007/21/2026

Least Tern

27/21/2026

Forster's Tern

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Black Vulture

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

57/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/21/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

257/21/2026

Willet

157/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

57/21/2026

Laughing Gull

1407/21/2026

American Herring Gull

877/21/2026

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 Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge include Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlark. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.