Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM to 10 PM

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 350 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

2663/4/2026

Tundra Swan

513/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

2683/4/2026

Gadwall

6623/4/2026

American Wigeon

433/4/2026

Mallard

883/4/2026

American Black Duck

1773/4/2026

Northern Pintail

873/4/2026

Green-winged Teal

31163/4/2026

Bufflehead

143/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

183/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

173/4/2026

Killdeer

43/4/2026

Willet

243/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/4/2026

American Herring Gull

3/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

23/4/2026

White Ibis

33/4/2026

Great Egret

83/4/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ring-billed Gull, White Ibis, Turkey Vulture, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM to 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.