Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 252 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, and Tundra Swan among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Brant

32/28/2026

Canada Goose

472/28/2026

Tundra Swan

42/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

192/28/2026

Gadwall

272/28/2026

American Wigeon

22/28/2026

Mallard

12/28/2026

American Black Duck

132/28/2026

Bufflehead

132/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

262/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

52/28/2026

Dunlin

2502/28/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/28/2026

American Herring Gull

232/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Northern Flicker

12/28/2026

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 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road include Brant, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Beach Access Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.