Bird Checklists of the United States Bird Checklists of the United States Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Chincoteague, Virginia The topography of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge consists of wide, sandy beach backed by a series of low dunes which fall away to extensive salt marshes bordering Chincoteague Bay. Some parts of the refuge, particulaly the southern end, also contain extensive areas of pine and oak interspersed with ponds and potholes. Over 2600 acres of shallow freshwater moist soil management units were developed to make the refuge more attractive to waterfowl. Thousands of brant, geese, and ducks winter on the refuge.
Shorebirds are an outstanding feature during spring and fall migrations.
Large numbers of herons and egrets can usually be found in the moist soil management units from mid-spring to late fall. Most of the Maryland portion of Assateague Island is managed by the National Park Service whose policies emphasize maintaining natural habitats. Birds found on the Virginia portion of the island may also be observed in Maryland. Because of the freshwater units, however, the Virginia portion tends to attract larger numbers of birds. This brochure lists 324 birds that hav been identified on the refuge, and is in accordance with the Sixth American Ornithologists' Union checklist.