Chincoteague Refugewinter wildlife
Peak waterfowl migration, snow geese among thousands of ducks and geese, usually November and December, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Nov 1–Dec 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Chincoteague Refuge · September
- Hawks and falcons migrate through (mid-September to mid-October) · Sep–Oct
34days to the next winter wildlife seasonNov 1–Dec 31, local timing
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Nesting bald eagles hunt over pools with wintering waterfowl (January and February)Jan–Feb
- Migrating shorebirds and songbirds arrive (April and May)Apr–May
- Hawks and falcons migrate through (mid-September to mid-October)NowSep–Oct
- Peak waterfowl migration, including snow geese (usually November and December)Nov–Dec
- Nov: Waterfowl Weekend: northern refuge tours over ThanksgivingNov
- Winter hours: roads, beach and trails 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (November through mid-March)Nov–Mar
Where to watch
- Wildlife LoopA wide, flat, paved trail around a managed wetland, with shallow water and waterfowl in winter; cars may also drive it daily from 3:00 p.m. to dusk.
- Marsh Trail platform over Snow Goose PoolA 0.63-mile unpaved footpath off the Wildlife Loop that ends at an observation platform overlooking Snow Goose Pool.
Chincoteague Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Peak waterfowl migration, snow geese among thousands of ducks and geese, usually November and December, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Nov 1–Dec 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 34 days (Nov 1–Dec 31, local timing).
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes for cars: passes start at $10.00 for a daily pass. Walking or biking in is free.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What are the hours in late fall and winter?
From November through mid-March, refuge roads, the beach and trails are open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. The Wildlife Loop opens to cars from 3:00 p.m. to dusk. The visitor center is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but closes on Thanksgiving Day, December 24, 25, 26 and 31, and January 1.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed on the refuge, not even inside your car.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there hunting nearby in winter?
Yes, in areas around the trails: firearms season usually runs November to January and archery October to January. There is no hunting on Sundays or during Waterfowl Weekend, the four days from Thanksgiving Thursday to Sunday.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chincoteague NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Wildlife Loop: a wide, flat, paved trail around a managed wetland, with shallow water and waterfowl in winter; cars may also drive it daily from 3:00 p.m. to dusk.; Marsh Trail platform over Snow Goose Pool: a 0.63-mile unpaved footpath off the Wildlife Loop that ends at an observation platform overlooking Snow Goose Pool..
When is the festival in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl Weekend: northern refuge tours over Thanksgiving, usually in Nov.
What is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Peak waterfowl migration, including snow geese (usually November and December) (Nov–Dec), Hawks and falcons migrate through (mid-September to mid-October) (Sep–Oct), Nesting bald eagles hunt over pools with wintering waterfowl (January and February) (Jan–Feb), Migrating shorebirds and songbirds arrive (April and May) (Apr–May), Waterfowl Weekend: northern refuge tours over Thanksgiving (Nov) and Winter hours: roads, beach and trails 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (November through mid-March) (Nov–Mar).