Sept. 21: Chincoteague, VA Birding & Boating

Northern Shoveler and Snowy Egret photos courtesy of Frode Jacobsen.

Join us for a morning trek and an afternoon boat ride around Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge!

We are very excited about our first field trip to Chincoteague, VA! We’ll spend the morning exploring the trails at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. After a break for lunch, we’ll then enjoy a two-hour cruise in the coastal waters around Chincoteague Island. We’ll end the day with a Tally Rally at AJ’s on the Creek.

MORNING BIRDING TOUR

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (DRIVING/HIKING)
Time: 8:30 – 11:30 am
Cost: $30/person
Meeting Location: the parking lot of the Wildlife Loop Trail at Chincoteague NWR, located at 8231 Beach Rd, Chincoteague, VA 23336. GPS coordinates: 37.91091, -75.3495

Please note: Cost does not include the day pass for Chincoteague NWR. Day passes provide access to refuge trails and the beach. The $10 pass covers a non-commercial vehicle and all occupants. Entry is also permitted with an annual pass or Federal Duck Stamp. Click here for more information about entrance fees and annual passes.

This field trip sold out at 11:00 am on Sept. 18.

Short-billed Dowitcher, photo courtesy of Frode Jacobsen.

Located on the Indigenous homelands of the Pocomoke and Occohannock people, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats. Originally established in 1943 to protect migratory birds, this refuge is now one of the most visited in the United States. Chincoteague is a birder’s paradise — more than 270 species have been recorded here in September! The refuge is also home to cultural treasures such as the Assateague Lighthouse and the world-famous Chincoteague ponies. 

The trip will involve some easy walking on the Wildlife Loop, the Woodland Trail and the beach near Tom’s Cove. Total estimated hiking distance is 2.5 miles.

AFTERNOON BOAT TOUR

Chincoteague Island Birding by Boat
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: $65/person (includes $5 tip for the First Mate)
Meeting Location: Daisey’s Island Cruises, located at 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Dr, Chincoteague, VA 23336. GPS Coordinates: 37.902351, -75.405152

There are 10 spots open on this field trip as of 10:30 am on Sept. 19.

On this birding cruise, you get to experience Assateague and Chincoteague Island in a way that is simply not possible from land. We’ll be boating with Daisey’s Island Cruises aboard a comfortable 24-person pontoon boat. This two-hour guided trip is great for adding seabirds and shorebirds to your checklist, such as Royal Tern, American Oystercatcher, and Black-bellied Plover. And don’t forget the Chincoteague ponies!

We’ll end our boating adventure at 4:00 pm, just in time for our 4:30 pm Tally Rally.

TALLY RALLY

Tally Rally
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Cost: free, but RSVP is required at dmvbirds@gmail.com
Meeting Location: AJ’s on the Creek, located at 6585 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA 23336.

Delmarva Birding Weekends are more than great opportunities to see unique local birds…it is also a time to meet unique local birders! Help our guides tally species observed during the field trips, and learn about local birding hotspots. Food and drink costs are the responsibility of those in attendance.

Check out our Google Map of sites and meeting locations:

Some common sense approaches to make your spring birding trips more enjoyable:

  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for fall weather near the ocean!
  • Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Bring rain gear as all events are rain or shine.
  • Try to arrive a little before the scheduled trip departs.
  • Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
  • Be courteous to your fellow birders. Speak quietly and turn off cell phones during trips.
  • There are restroom facilities on most trips, but there may not be restrooms available at all stops. Please use the facilities when they are available to you!

Please note:

  • No cancellations are accepted after September 6, 2024. For a further explanation of our refund policy, please click here.
  • Food and drink are not included in the cost for trips and tally rallies.
  • Trips will go in the rain or fog, unless torrential downpours prevent us from viewing wildlife.
  • If the trip is canceled due to dangerous conditions (typically storms or strong, gusting winds), we will notify you via email. Please note that the email will be sent to all participants BCC, so you may need to check your email spam folder. A full refund will be provided within 15 days.