Birding Guide to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a premier birding destination along the Atlantic Flyway. With over 350 recorded species, it offers year-round opportunities to observe shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and songbirds. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a beginner, this guide will help you make the most of your birdwatching experience.

Best Times to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Peak migration for shorebirds and songbirds. Look for warblers, terns, and herons.

• Summer (June-August): Nesting season for species like the Black Skimmer, Piping Plover, and Osprey.

• Fall (September-November): Another migration period, with a variety of raptors, shorebirds, and waterfowl passing through.

• Winter (December-February): Large flocks of Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and various ducks congregate in the refuge.

Top Birding Locations in the Refuge

1. Wildlife Loop (Snow Goose Pool & Shoveler Pool)

• Open to walkers and bikers during daylight hours; accessible to vehicles after 3:00 PM.

• Best for shorebirds, waterfowl, and wading birds.

• Birds to Look For:

• Shorebirds: Semipalmated Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Stilt Sandpiper, Wilson’s Phalarope.

• Waterfowl: Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail.

• Rarities: Roseate Spoonbill, Swallow-tailed Kite, Sandhill Crane.

• Pro Tip: Visit during high tide when birds are concentrated in the freshwater impoundments.

2. Swan Cove Pool & Beach

• A prime spot for migrating shorebirds and seabirds.

• Birds to Look For:

• Shorebirds: Piping Plover, Red Knot, Dunlin.

• Seabirds: Black Skimmer, Least Tern, Royal Tern.

• Waterfowl (winter): Brant, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye.

• Pro Tip: Bring a spotting scope to scan the water for diving ducks and loons.

3. Woodland Trail

• A great location for songbirds and raptors.

• Birds to Look For:

• Warblers (spring/fall): Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Pine Warbler.

• Raptors: Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk.

• Other species: Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Great Horned Owl.

• Pro Tip: Early mornings are best for songbirds; scan the treetops for warblers and nuthatches.

4. Marsh Overlook Trail

• A short trail leading to an overlook of expansive marshlands.

• Birds to Look For:

• Herons & Egrets: Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret.

• Marsh Birds: Clapper Rail, Seaside Sparrow, Marsh Wren.

• Rarities: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, White-faced Ibis.

• Pro Tip: Bring insect repellent in summer; marsh birds are often more vocal early in the morning.

5. Beach & Tidal Flats

• Located near Tom’s Cove and the Assateague Island shoreline.

• Birds to Look For:

• Gulls & Terns: Laughing Gull, Forster’s Tern, Caspian Tern.

• Shorebirds: Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Black-bellied Plover.

• Raptors: Peregrine Falcon, Merlin.

• Pro Tip: Low tide exposes mudflats, attracting foraging shorebirds.

Rare & Uncommon Sightings

Chincoteague has hosted several rare birds for Virginia, including:

• American Flamingo (occasional after hurricanes)

• Black-tailed Godwit

• Elegant Tern

• Sabine’s Gull

• Northern Wheatear

• Varied Thrush

Check eBird (www.ebird.org) for recent sightings before your visit.

Birding Tips for the Refuge

• Bring Binoculars & a Spotting Scope: Many birds are best observed from a distance.

• Use eBird: Track your sightings and check recent reports.

• Visit During Different Times of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for bird activity.

• Dress for the Elements: Be prepared for mosquitoes in summer and cold winds in winter.

• Respect Wildlife & Regulations: Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Final Thoughts

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge remains a top birding destination despite habitat changes over the years. With a mix of shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors, it offers something for birders of all levels. Plan your visit with seasonal changes in mind, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable birdwatching experience.