Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Virginia · Southeast

EasyOfficial Site

Habitat

CoastalWetlandForest

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, August-November

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

5 AM - 10 PM (May-Sept), 6 AM - 6 PM (Oct-Apr)

About This Location

Chincoteague NWR on Virginia's barrier island of Assateague is one of the most popular wildlife refuges on the East Coast, famous for its wild ponies and outstanding birding. The refuge protects over 14,000 acres of beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest along the Atlantic Flyway.

Over 320 species have been recorded, with peak diversity during spring and fall migration. The Wildlife Loop road and lighthouse trail offer easy access to excellent shorebird habitat, while the marsh impoundments attract herons, egrets, and thousands of wintering waterfowl.

Location

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Notable Species

Piping Plover Black Skimmer Brown Pelican Peregrine Falcon American Oystercatcher

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/4/2026-BK1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

3/4/2026Creekway Drive Boardwalk (Private)1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Washington Square Clinic (Tazewell Co.)1 observed

Red Crossbill (Appalachian or type 1)

Loxia curvirostra

3/4/2026Wildlife Road, New Castle, Virginia, US (37.405, -80.138)1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/4/2026Blue Ridge Parkway--Whites Gap Overlook1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/4/2026Houghton Ave & Aubreys Loop South Boston US-VA1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Rubbermaid Factory Pond (private--view from road only)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Essex Country viewed from USFWS Fones Cliffs Unit2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/4/20266924 Longview Drive, Richmond, Virginia, US (37.544, -77.518)1 observed

Red-flanked Bluetail

Tarsiger cyanurus

3/4/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/4/2026Harvest Gap1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Rappahannock River Valley NWR--Fones Cliffs2 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/4/2026Rappahannock River Valley NWR--Fones Cliffs2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Claytor Lake State Park1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Claytor Lake State Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Belle Haven Park--North Parking Area1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

3/4/2026Guthrie Road1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/4/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/3/2026Jim Barnett Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/3/2026Leedstown Road, Colonial Beach, Virginia, US (38.126, -76.975)8 observed

Recent Observations

Red-tailed Hawk

3728–3780 Virginia Ave, Pearisburg US-VA 37.33592, -80.75326

3/4/2026

1 birds

Turkey Vulture

I-64 W, Quinton US-VA 37.51585, -77.18667

3/4/2026

6 birds

Red-shouldered Hawk

I-64 W, Quinton US-VA 37.51585, -77.18667

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Robin

I-64 W, Quinton US-VA 37.51585, -77.18667

3/4/2026

1 birds

House Finch

My house

3/4/2026

2 birds

Eastern Bluebird

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Cooper's Hawk

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Downy Woodpecker

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Common Grackle

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Cardinal

My house

3/4/2026

2 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-winged Blackbird

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Crow

My house

3/4/2026

1 birds

Eastern Phoebe

600 Pocono Dr, North Chesterfield US-VA 37.50128, -77.58636

3/4/2026

2 birds

Blue Jay

600 Pocono Dr, North Chesterfield US-VA 37.50128, -77.58636

3/4/2026

1 birds

Carolina Wren

600 Pocono Dr, North Chesterfield US-VA 37.50128, -77.58636

3/4/2026

1 birds

Song Sparrow

Rich Creek Boat Ramp

3/4/2026

1 birds

Canvasback

Swan Lake/Shields Lake

3/4/2026

2 birds

Canada Goose

Swan Lake/Shields Lake

3/4/2026

75 birds

Bufflehead

Swan Lake/Shields Lake

3/4/2026

2 birds

Birding Tips

1
Walk the Wildlife Loop early in the morning before it opens to vehicles for the best birding
2
The Tom's Cove area is excellent for shorebirds at low tide from July through September

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Visitor Center

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Assateague Island National Seashore
NASA Wallops Visitor Center

Birding Guides

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

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 April-May, August-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Notable species at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge include Piping Plover, Black Skimmer, Brown Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, American Oystercatcher. The area supports coastal, wetland, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?▼

The entrance fee at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is $10 per vehicle. Hours: 5 AM - 10 PM (May-Sept), 6 AM - 6 PM (Oct-Apr).

What amenities are available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails.