Eastern Shore Birding Organization Announces Spring and Summer 2026 Field Trip Schedule

EASTERN SHORE, Va. — Birding enthusiasts across Virginia’s Eastern Shore will have multiple opportunities to experience spring migration and local breeding birds as the Eastern Shore Birding Organization releases its 2026 spring and early summer field trip schedule.

The series of guided walks and boat trips, led by experienced birders and naturalists, will take participants to some of the region’s most productive birding locations, including Nassawango Creek Preserve, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Bay Creek, and the Onancock Nature Trail.

Spring migration, shorebirds, and breeding songbirds are all featured throughout the lineup, which runs from April through late June.

Organizers note that all skill levels are welcome, and participants should bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

2026 Eastern Shore Birding Schedule

April Events

Friday, April 10, 2026

• Leader: Maggie Long
• Location: Ann Rowe’s Seaview Farm
• Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Focus: Spring migration
• Contact: Maggie Long, 610-500-9971

Thursday, April 30, 2026

• Leader: Maggie Long
• Location: TNC Nassawango Creek Preserve
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Spring warbler migration
• Contact: Maggie Long, 610-500-9971

May Events

Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Rain Date: May 3)

• Leader: Captain Meriwether Payne
• Location: Wachapreague Boat Trip
• Times:
  • 8:00–11:00 a.m.
  • 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • 3:00–6:00 p.m.
• Focus: Shorebird migration, seaside lagoons, and marshes
• Cost: $20 per person
• Contact: Captain Meriwether Payne, 757-710-2454

Sunday, May 3, 2026

• Leader: Randy Reed
• Location: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
• Meeting Point: Bateman Visitor Center parking lot
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Migrating shorebirds and songbirds
• Contact: Randy Reed, 410-274-2482

Saturday, May 9, 2026

• Leader: Joette Borzik
• Location: TNC Nassawango Creek Preserve
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Spring warbler migration
• Contact: Joette Borzik, 757-350-1659

Friday, May 22, 2026

• Leader: Roberta Kellam
• Location: Eastville Community Center
• Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Program: “Birds Through the Seasons” talk
• Contact: info@birdingeasternshore.org

Saturday, May 23, 2026

• Leader: Sonal Shah
• Location: Chincoteague Island Nature Trail
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Breeding songbirds
• Contact: Sonal Shah, 703-395-4478

June Events

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

• Leaders: Roberta Kellam and Maggie Long
• Location: VESLT Corratock Preserve
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Variety of habitats and local breeding birds
• Contact: info@birdingeasternshore.org

Monday, June 15, 2026

• Leaders: Maggie Long and Walter Childs
• Location: Bay Creek
• Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Focus: Local breeding birds
• Registration Deadline: June 8, 2026
• Contact: Walter Childs, 410-353-0703

Monday, June 29, 2026

• Leader: Maggie Long
• Location: Historic Onancock School Nature Trail
• Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
• Focus: Local breeding birds
• Contact: Maggie Long, 610-500-9971

A Prime Season for Birding

Spring migration along the Eastern Shore is widely considered one of the best birding seasons of the year. Warblers, shorebirds, and songbirds pass through the region in large numbers, while summer brings opportunities to observe nesting and breeding behavior.

Organizers say the variety of habitats — marshes, coastal lagoons, maritime forests, and farmland — makes the Eastern Shore particularly attractive to both birds and birders.

Participants are encouraged to contact trip leaders in advance for additional details, weather updates, and any registration requirements.

For more information, email info@birdingeasternshore.org.

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Wayne Creed

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