Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Calendar of Events
last updated on

08/20/07

Annual Events

International Migratory Bird Celebration

This special event to celebrate migratory birds is held annually on the second weekend of May. A variety of family activities from building birdhouses to various workshops and guided walks provide an enjoyable time for birders of all ages. The activities run on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.  For more information, call (757) 336-6122.

National Fishing Week

The first week of June is designated as National Fishing Week. A variety of activities will be conducted which will introduce the participant to and increase their appreciation of this important resource. For more information, call (757)336-6122.

National Wildlife Refuge Week

The diversity of wild places and wildlife found on the more than 500 National Wildlife Refuges is celebrated on Columbus Day Observed weekend in October. A variety of family activities from building birdhouses to various workshops and guided walks provide an enjoyable time for birders and wildlife lovers of all ages. The activities run from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, call (757) 336-6122.

Waterfowl Week

From the Saturday before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge celebrates the marvel of migration. For the entire nine days of Waterfowl Week, the Wildlife Loop will be open to vehicular traffic from 9 am to dusk. Private vehicles will also be permitted to drive the Service Road from noon to 3:30 pm from Thanksgiving to the Sunday after. A variety of guided walks and auditorium programs will also be offered during this time. For information, call (757) 336-6122.

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Wildlife Calendar

January and February are typically cold and blustery. The refuge’s moist-soil management units usually host a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, including large numbers of snow geese. 

By March the migratory waterfowl begin to depart for their northern breeding grounds. March 15, the southern end of the island, known as the “Hook,” is closed to all public use to conserve habitat for the threatened piping plover and other beach nesters. 

A diversity of migratory shorebirds and songbirds arrive on the refuge in April and May. Visitors are encouraged to celebrate Earth Day with refuge staff in mid-April and the refuge hosts an annual International Migratory Bird Celebration during Mother’s Day Weekend. 

June marks the beginning of the high tourist season as people migrate to the seashore for family vacations. Ticks and tick borne disease require visitors to check for unwanted “hitchhikers” after exploring the refuge’s many hiking and biking trails. The first week of June is National Fishing Week. 

Many visitors flock to the refuge on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July for the annual pony penning activities. Many species of wading birds, gulls, and terns can be found throughout the refuge. 

In August, mole crabs, ghost crabs and coquina clams frequent the seashore and herons and egrets line the ditches along Beach Road. 

From mid-September to mid-October a number of hawks and falcons migrate through Assateague Island. The first migratory waterfowl arrive in September; however, the peak waterfowl migration usually occurs in November and December. 

National Wildlife Refuge Week is celebrated Columbus Day Observed weekend in October. Additionally, visitors can tour the northern portion of the refuge during Thanksgiving as part of the annual Waterfowl Week Celebration. 

Each and every season at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge has its on unique beauty and wildlife. Come and enjoy them all!

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