Birding
Because of its position on the Atlantic Flyway, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for birds to rest, feed, nest, or winter. This makes the refuge a great place for bird watching. Over the course of the year, a variety of bird species passes through the refuge, staying anywhere from a day to a few weeks to several months. Some species even spend the entire year at the refuge.
Some of the popular sites to observe birds are at Swan Cove Pool along Beach Road. Herons and egrets can be seen in the borrow ditches around the refuge, and the hunting blind in Tom’s Cove, near Beach Road, is a favored perch for some birds, including double-crested cormorants. The Woodland Trail is an excellent place to observe songbirds, and Snow Goose Pool, in the Wildlife Loop, is a popular spot for many bird species.
A checklist of birds that have been identified on the refuge is available at the refuge visitor center or by clicking the link below.
Visitors may also borrow a pair of binoculars, free of charge, from the refuge visitor center, to help with their birding experience.
During the firearm hunt, starting December 7 thru December 18, 2009 with the second session starting on January 4 thru January 22, 2010, the Service Road will be closed to the public except for those hunters that have refuge hunt permits. Hunters reach the Service Road by way of Wildlife Loop. The Woodland Trail will also be closed to allow access for hunters confined to wheelchairs. The Wildlife Loop will be closed to the public until noon each day during the hunt period. If conditions allow, the Toms Cove Hook may be available to firearm hunters with four-wheel drive vehicles. However, for other recreational opportunities the trails will be open to visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays during the hunt sessions.
For more information on the hunt and trail closures, please call 757-336-6122.
Bird Check List (PDF - 4.01 MB)
Shorebird Survey (PDF - 17 KB)
Waterfowl Survey (PDF - 17 KB)
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