FRANKTOWN, Va. — Birding Eastern Shore has announced its winter field trip schedule for January through March 2026, offering a series of free, guided outings designed to showcase seasonal birdlife across the Eastern Shore.
Organizers say this winter has already produced strong sightings of sparrows and purple finches, along with red-breasted nuthatches, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and ruddy ducks. Three January trips — to Saxis Wildlife Management Area on Jan. 10, the Chincoteague area on Jan. 17, and the Town of Onancock on Jan. 22 — are expected to give participants a strong start to their annual birding “Year List.”
All field trips are free but require advance registration with the listed trip leaders. Most outings last approximately two hours unless otherwise noted. Participants are advised to dress for variable winter conditions and to be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes. Binoculars are available to borrow with advance notice.
Two special trips to Island 4 of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are scheduled for Feb. 7 and March 14. These trips require completion of an individual security form and a $15 per-person fee to cover mandatory police escort costs. Forms and payment for the Feb. 7 trip must be submitted by Jan. 28.
Birding Eastern Shore also continues to offer free public programs. A recording of the group’s December osprey presentation is now available on its YouTube channel.
January–March 2026 Field Trip Highlights
- Jan. 10, 3:30 p.m. — Saxis Wildlife Management Area, Hammock Road
- Jan. 17, 1 p.m. — Queen Sound and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge loop
- Jan. 22, 9 a.m. — Onancock Town and Historic Onancock School
- Feb. 7, 8 a.m. — Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (security form and fee required)
- Feb. 11, 9 a.m. — Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve
- Feb. 16, 1 p.m. — Queen Sound and Chincoteague loop
- Feb. 25, 9 a.m. — Mutton Hunk Natural Area Preserve
- March 12, 8 a.m. — Seaview Farm, Melfa
- March 14, 8 a.m. — Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (security form and fee required)
- March 21, 8:30 a.m. — Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve
- March 28, 8:30 a.m. — Mutton Hunk Natural Area Preserve
For registration details and additional information, visit www.birdingeasternshore.org or email info@birdingeasternshore.org.
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