May Birding Guide

May is one of the most active months on Chincoteague. You don’t need a big plan to enjoy it. Step outside at the inn, spend some time along the tree line, or head into the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Movement is constant this time of year—and you’ll hear a lot of birds before you see them.

We’re right along the Atlantic Flyway, and Spring Migration is in full swing. Songbirds are moving through the pines, shorebirds are spread across the flats, and nesting activity is underway across the refuge. The mix changes day to day depending on weather and winds, which keeps things interesting. CNWR regularly hosts 300+ species during the current heavy Spring Migration turnover.

• 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, so locals are eager to see our favorite banded “P4” return for the nesting season.

• Semipalmated & Least Sandpipers: Small flocks working the mudflats, especially on a falling tide. Look for quick, constant movement near the waterline.

• Piping Plover: Returning to nest on the beach. If you see protected areas and posted signs, it’s probably for these adorable little guys and their sand-colored eggs in sand-based nests.

• Black-bellied Plover: Now arriving in numbers, often still in their winter drab. Look for the black area under their wing to identify them.

• Godwit: Easy to tell apart from other brown shorebirds by their upturned bill

• Willet: Loud and hard to miss. You’ll often hear them calling across the marsh before you see them.

• Warblers (Peak Migration): Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Prairie Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler—expect a mix, and expect it to change daily.

• 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!

• 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

• Northern Harrier: Gliding low over marshes in search of prey

• 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:

• The Woodland Trail (pine forest, maritime forest) is ideal for songbirds, nuthatches, warblers.

• 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, a field guide or birding app, and good shoes. 

• Stay quiet: Birds are often easier to spot when you take your time.

• Start at the Refuge Inn: You’re at the entrance to CNWR — so you could step out and be on the trails within minutes.

1. Sunrise Loop: Walk or bike the 3.5mi Wildlife Loop and scan for raptors, shorebirds, and osprey.

2. Mid-morning Walk Choices: 

1. 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.

2. Visit the beach and head south along the surf to look for shorebirds along the shoreline.

3. Lunch break at the Inn: Enjoy some tasty takeout from Blackfin Grill or Pico Taqueria on the Marsh Platform, binoculars in hand.

4. Afternoon boat ride: Book a birding trip with Cowboy Cruises for a relaxed and informative scenic experience. BYOB, a hat, and be sure to dress warmly as it can get chilly on the water.

5. 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.

May is peak spring migration. Warblers move through daily — yellow warbler, common yellowthroat, northern parula, prairie and black-and-white — and the mix changes with the wind. Oystercatchers and piping plovers are nesting on the beach, willets call across the marsh, and ospreys are on their platforms. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge regularly hosts 300+ species during the spring turnover.

May is the heaviest month for songbird migration on the Atlantic Flyway here. Mornings are the most active, especially along the Woodland Trail. Give the front desk a day of notice and we will have your breakfast ready the night before, so you can be out ahead of the 7am delivery.

Yes. Pine warblers and brown-headed nuthatches work the loblolly pines on the property year-round, and guests watch them from pine-side patios and balconies. The refuge entrance is a quarter mile away when you want more.

The Refuge Inn sits a quarter mile from the entrance to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, close enough that you can be on the Woodland Trail or the Wildlife Loop within minutes of leaving your room. Pine-side rooms look out on the loblollies where the pine warblers and brown-headed nuthatches feed, and we’ll pack your breakfast the night before if you want to be out at first light.

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