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

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/3/2026Chincoteague NWR--Visitor Center1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/2/2026the hook2 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

6/2/2026the hook5 observed

Sooty Shearwater

Ardenna grisea

6/2/2026Chincoteague NWR* (general area)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Figgs Landing Rd.4 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

6/2/2026BS-CNWR NewNOSV1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/2026Saxis WMA1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026Pitts Landing1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Saxis WMA--Hammock Boat Ramp1 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/27/2026Chincoteague Island Nature Trail1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

5/27/2026Assateague Island (Virginia)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

26/3/2026

Mourning Dove

46/3/2026

Laughing Gull

206/3/2026

White Ibis

226/3/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/3/2026

Green Heron

26/3/2026

Great Egret

16/3/2026

Fish Crow

106/3/2026

Purple Martin

206/3/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

16/3/2026

Carolina Wren

26/3/2026

European Starling

66/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/3/2026

House Sparrow

46/3/2026

Common Grackle

126/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/3/2026

Blue Grosbeak

26/3/2026

Canada Goose

86/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

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.