Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center

Virginia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts American Oystercatcher, Killdeer, and Dunlin 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

American Oystercatcher

43/2/2026

Killdeer

23/2/2026

Dunlin

2003/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/2/2026

Brant

33/1/2026

Willet

53/1/2026

Snow Goose

303/1/2026

Canada Goose

203/1/2026

Tundra Swan

53/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

203/1/2026

Gadwall

83/1/2026

American Wigeon

13/1/2026

Northern Pintail

23/1/2026

Surf Scoter

33/1/2026

Bufflehead

203/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

123/1/2026

Sanderling

13/1/2026

American Herring Gull

203/1/2026

Horned Grebe

33/1/2026

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 - Toms Cove Visitor Center for birding?
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center include American Oystercatcher, Killdeer, Dunlin, Ring-billed Gull, Brant. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center?
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Toms Cove Visitor Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.