December Birding at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

As December settles over the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge transforms into a sanctuary of winter calm—wide-open skies, muted marsh colors, crisp air, and some of the best waterfowl birding of the entire year. Nearly all migration has paused, leaving behind winter residents, a hearty assortment of ducks, and huge concentrations of swans and geese.

With fewer vehicles and quieter trails, December is an ideal month for slow walking, patient scanning, and listening as the winter residents reveal themselves.

December is the heart of waterfowl season on Chincoteague. Expect some of the highest concentrations of the year.

Large flocks settle into Swan Cove and Snow Goose Pool. Their soft, bugling calls carry beautifully at dawn.

Massive, noisy flocks swirl over impoundments and agricultural fields. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to catch them lifting off in waves.

Abundant throughout the month—watch them commuting between marshes and fields.

December brings a wide variety of dabblers and divers:

• American Black Ducks 

• Mallards

• Northern Pintails

• Green-winged Teal

• Hooded Mergansers

• Bufflehead

• Ruddy Ducks

• Gadwall

• Red-breasted Mergansers near the beach and inlet

Scan all ponds, especially along the Wildlife Loop and Beach Road impoundments. If temperatures get below freezing, you can see concentrations of ducks wherever the ice is broken or the water is moving. Some of our favorite spots are right along Beach Road. 

While peak shorebird migration has passed, certain species remain through winter.

The most reliable December shorebird—large, tight flocks feeding along wet sand at the beach or mud edges at low tide.

A classic winter sight, running along the surf line in loose groups.

Occasional lingerers in warmer Decembers—scan ditch edges and shallow pools.

Herons remain year-round; egrets may linger depending on temperatures. Look for solitary hunters on the Wildlife Loop and near roadside ponds. Our favorite spot is near the culvert along Beach Road, near the Black Duck Trail-- look up in the trees to see scores of roosting wading birds.

December belongs to hardy winter residents and quiet flock activity.

Abundant throughout woodland edges and thickets.

Common on trail edges and sometimes around the Refuge Inn grounds.

Surprisingly active even in December—especially in sheltered forest edges.

Reliable winter birds of the pine stands; you may hear them before you see them. Typically plentiful around the Refuge grounds, these stand-bys add color and life on quiet winter days.

Woodpecker activity remains strong in winter; listen for taps in the pines along the Woodland Trail or from your pine-side balcony at the Refuge.

Winter is prime time for scanning open marshes and fields.

The “marsh owls” of daylight—watch for their buoyant, low flight over marsh grass.

Common year-round; December often brings pairs patrolling the impoundments.

These species perch-hunt along the edges of woodlands and fields.

Occasionally seen near the beach or marsh edges, especially on windy days.

A careful scan of swan flocks may reward you with a rarity. They are still rare enough to be a treat but their numbers are increasing along the coast.

• Surf Scoter & Black Scoter- commonly seen just off the beach on calm days

• Long-tailed Duck (less common but possible-- we saw several last January in the inlet, off the hook!)

Listen at dusk near forest edges for resident Great Horned Owls.

Winter birding means frequent pauses—bring warm layers, a hat, gloves, and a windproof outer layer.

• Wildlife Loop: unmatched for waterfowl and raptors; accessible via car after 3pm if you aren't big on staying outside long

• Beach Road Overlooks: exceptional for swans, geese, and ducks. Park alongside the road for easy viewing!

• Woodland Trail: songbirds in pine and mixed forest. Mostly protected from the wind!

• South Beach Walks: sanderlings, dunlin, loons, raptors, and a chance at sea ducks. 

• Sunrise = spectacular goose/swan lift-offs

• Golden hour = glowing marsh grasses and active marsh raptors

You’re steps from the refuge entrance—perfect for early morning birding without a long drive. Ask our front desk for an "early bird" breakfast and we'll be happy to pack you a brown-bag breakfast the night before.

Watch swans and geese lifting off the water in pink morning light.

Songbird activity in sheltered pines: kinglets, nuthatches, woodpeckers.

Warm up, enjoy tasty treats from Blackfin Island Grill across the street, check your photos, and recharge before the afternoon session.

Park at the beach and walk south. Scan the surf line for sanderlings and dunlin; watch for harriers gliding over dunes. Keep an eye on the water for sea ducks and loons.

End your day with breathtaking light and the soft calls of settling waterfowl before enjoying dinner at one of the local restaurants in town. Our favorites are The Village & Bill's Prime.