The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats

Virginia · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats is a productive birding destination in Virginia, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Woodcock, Greater Yellowlegs, and Great Blue Heron among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

American WoodcockGreater YellowlegsGreat Blue HeronYellow-rumped Warbler

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

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

More in Virginia

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia's iconic barrier island refuge with 320+ species, wild ponies, and Atlantic Flyway migrants.

Huntley Meadows Park

DC area's premier wetland with boardwalk access to nesting herons, rails, and diverse marsh birds.

Great Falls Park

Potomac gorge park with breeding Cerulean Warblers, dramatic river views, and rich spring migration.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats for birding?▼
The best months to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?▼
Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats include American Woodcock, Greater Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?▼
Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats?▼
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Wash Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.