Explore Wildlife and Enjoy Nature at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

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On your next trip to the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  This 14,000 acre Refuge is primarily located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island.  It is a renowned birding area and top quality destination for viewing and photographing wildlife.

Many diverse habitats support the tremendous variety of animals and birds that live in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  There are marsh, beach, dune as well as maritime forest areas within the Refuge.  The famous  Chincoteague Ponies reside at the Refuge.  There are many other interesting animals as well as 320 species of birds to see here, too.

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge was originally established primarily for its value as a shorebird migratory staging area.  Today many diverse types of birds reside within and migrate through the Refuge, including a large variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors and songbirds.
 
Birders will delight in the large variety of ducks, geese and swans that can be viewed at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  Several species of egret, heron and ibis are among the many marsh and waterbirds you can see here.  There are also many kinds of shorebirds, gulls and terns to view.  Visitors have a unique opportunity to view threatened as well as endangered birds at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, such as Peregrine falcons, the piping plover, and bald eagles.  
 
In addition to hundreds of species of birds, there are 31 mammal species that reside on or in the waters around the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  You can spot and photograph white-tailed deer and Sika.  The Chincoteague Ponies reside in two specially designated areas within the Refuge in order to preserve habitat for other wildlife.  Some of the other animals you may spot at the Refuge include red fox, river otters, Virginia opossums, raccoons and the endangered Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel.

Several types of marine mammals can be spotted from the shores of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  These include harbor seals, grampus, dolphins, porpoises and several species of whales.
There are 15 miles of trails to explore at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  You can hike along both paved and unpaved trails here as you look for and photograph wildlife.  Four wheel drive vehicle access is permitted in one southern area of the Refuge, as well.

In addition to viewing wildlife, shelling is a popular activity at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.  You can also dig for clams or go crabbing along the beach.  Fishing is also allowed according to specially outlined regulations.  Although camping is not permitted on the Refuge, there are several campground options and other types of accommodations available in other areas of the Island.

All around the Chincoteague Island area are a number of lodging options for you to take advantage of.  HotelsCombined.com provides you with their rates, reviews and detailed information.  Once you are done exploring the refuge, you're bound to want a nice nap or a dip in the pool.  Located in the Eastern Tourism Region.