Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Cove is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 259 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Brant, Canada Goose, 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/6/2026Taylor Landing (area)60 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/6/2026Queen Sound Landing1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brant

92/28/2026

Canada Goose

32/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

122/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

62/28/2026

Killdeer

22/28/2026

American Herring Gull

2/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

22/28/2026

Horned Grebe

12/28/2026

Tundra Swan

12/28/2026

Gadwall

122/28/2026

American Black Duck

22/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

12/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

62/28/2026

Mallard

22/21/2026

Northern Pintail

22/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

22/21/2026

Bufflehead

102/21/2026

Hooded Merganser

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