Assateague Island

Virginia · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Assateague Island is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead 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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/5/20263461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, Maryland, US (38.127, -75.455)1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/5/2026Queen Sound Landing1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

42/28/2026

Surf Scoter

42/28/2026

Bufflehead

162/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

122/28/2026

American Herring Gull

202/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/28/2026

Common Loon

32/28/2026

Merlin

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/28/2026

Snow Goose

1502/21/2026

Brant

72/21/2026

Black Scoter

32/21/2026

Mourning Dove

32/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

132/21/2026

Sanderling

2/21/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

82/21/2026

Horned Grebe

12/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/21/2026

Song Sparrow

92/21/2026

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 Assateague Island for birding?
The best months to visit Assateague Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Assateague Island?
Notable species at Assateague Island include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, American Oystercatcher, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Assateague Island?
Birding at Assateague Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Assateague Island?
Assateague Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.