Spring migration is winding down, and nesting season is in full swing. Osprey are feeding young, marsh birds are active throughout the day, and the skies are filled with the sounds of summer. June is a great time to watching birds go about their daily lives. Many species are easier to observe this month because they are defending territories, feeding chicks, or making regular trips between nesting areas and feeding grounds. Whether you're an experienced birder or just curiously watching from your balcony, June offers excellent opportunities to observe the birds that make our spot along the Atlantic Flyway so special.
Shorebirds & Marsh-Edge Species
● American Oystercatcher: Their red bills and legs make them easy to spot along the beach parking lots and tidal flats. The same pairs return every year to nest and hatch chicks.
● Semipalmated & Least Sandpipers: Small flocks working the mudflats, especially on a falling tide.
● Piping Plover: Nesting on the beach. If you see protected areas and posted signs, it’s probably for these adorable little guys and their sand-colored eggs or sand-colored babies in sand-based nests.
● Black-bellied Plover: Here in numbers for the summer! Look for stark black and grey.
● Willet: Loud and hard to miss. You’ll often hear them calling across the marsh before you see them.
● Black-necked Stilt: distinctive and unmistakable. We usually see them on the right side of the causeway as you’re leaving Chincoteague for the mainland.
Songbirds & Woodland Visitors
● Blue Grosbeak: Right along the road on the Wildlife Loop in the evening
● Indigo Bunting: A flash of brilliant blue along forest edges and brushy transitions
● Great Crested Flycatcher: A regular in woodland areas. You’ll likely hear them before you see them.
● Pine Warbler and Brown-headed Nuthatch: Active in the pine woodlands of the refuge and up and down trees around the inn. You can watch them from a pine side patio or balcony!
Raptors
● Osprey: Back in full force, building nests and often seen carrying sticks or fish in their talons. Best seen from the water or marsh shoreline—look for the man-made nesting platforms in the channels.
● Bald Eagles: Along Beach Road and the Wildlife Loop. A big nest between the roads often means sightings of the eagle fledglings spreading their wings.
● Northern Harrier: Gliding low over marshes in search of prey
Trail-Walking Tips
● Go Early: Morning is the most active, especially for songbirds. If you give notice a day ahead of time, we are happy to prepare your breakfast for you the night before if you’d like to hit the trails before the 7am delivery!
● Trail choices:
o The Woodland Trail (pine forest, maritime forest) is ideal for songbirds, nuthatches, warblers.
o The Wildlife Loop is perfect for shorebirds and raptors gliding overhead, with a detour up the Swan Cove Trail to take you to a quiet beach for those adorable wave-runners.
● Scan open water: Many birds rest and feed in refuge impoundments.
● Bring gear: Binoculars, layers, bug spray, a field guide or birding app, and good shoes.
● Stay quiet: Birds are often easier to spot when you take your time.
● Same spot, different day: If you’re visiting for several days, bird the same location at different times. Morning and evening can reveal entirely different birds & behavior.
● Start at the Refuge Inn: You’re at the entrance to CNWR so you can step out and be on the trails within minutes.
Recommended Birding Itinerary for the Day
- Sunrise Loop: Walk or bike the 3.5mi Wildlife Loop and scan for raptors, egrets, heron, and ibis.
- Mid-morning Walk Choices:
- Move into the pine trail system on the flat, paved, 2.2mi Woodland Trail— listen for warblers and songbirds. The Merlin app is a great choice here as many species can be heard before seen.
- Visit the beach and head south along the surf to look for shorebirds along the shoreline.
- Lunch break at the Inn: Enjoy some tasty takeout from Blackfin Grill or Pico Taqueria on the Marsh Platform, binoculars in hand.
- Afternoon boat ride: Book a birding trip with Cowboy Cruises for a relaxed and informative scenic experience. BYOB, a hat, sunscreen, and be sure to dress warmly as it can get chilly on the water.
- Dinner and Debrief: Refuel with a hearty dinner at The Village Restaurant. Our front desk will be happy to call ahead and make a reservation for you—their coveted creekside tables can offer great birding opportunities.