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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

4/14/2026Chincoteague NWR--Beach Access Road2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/14/20265298 Lakeview Road1 observed

Dunlin (hudsonia)

Calidris alpina

4/13/2026Rumbly Point14 observed

Great Egret (American)

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Rumbly Point2 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/13/2026Rumbly Point2 observed

Great Egret (African)

Ardea alba

4/13/2026Deep Creek1 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

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

4/11/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Short-eared Owl (Northern)

Asio flammeus

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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/11/2026Irish Grove MOS Sanctuary4 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/11/2026Coardtown Road1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

4/11/20267748 Matthews Road, Saxis, Virginia, US (37.937, -75.713)1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

4/11/2026Marine Science Consortium1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/14/2026

Gadwall

504/14/2026

American Wigeon

64/14/2026

Mallard

44/14/2026

American Black Duck

134/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

84/14/2026

Bufflehead

14/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

American Oystercatcher

44/14/2026

American Golden-Plover

24/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Marbled Godwit

84/14/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

74/14/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Willet

34/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/14/2026

Dunlin

2404/14/2026

Laughing Gull

24/14/2026

American Herring Gull

254/14/2026

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.