Description
Queen Sound Landing is a paved pull-off for launching boats. When not busy with boaters, it offers a place to quickly view the extensive salt marshes of Chincoteague Bay and its associated salt marsh islands. The islands are typical eastern coastal salt marshes consisting of Spartina grasses. These are excellent for migrant shorebirds, wading birds, gulls, and terns. Forster’s terns often raise chicks on the small islands in the sound. Wintering waterfowl utilize the extensive bay ecosystem for feeding before returning to the breeding grounds.
Check the mudflats in summer for immature (above) and adult clapper rails. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
Visiting this site at low tide when the mudflats become visible and can produce a large variety of shorebirds and waders, including black-necked stilts and willets.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Queen Sound Landing (as reported to eBird)
- Bufflehead
- Rock Pigeon
- American Oystercatcher
- Dunlin
- Bonaparte's Gull
- Ring-billed Gull
- American Herring Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Common Loon
- Double-crested Cormorant
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Parking
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Physical Location: 37286 Chincoteague Rd, Horntown, VA 23395
From US-13 just north of Oak Hall, head east on VA-175/ Chincoteague Rd. Follow the road as it winds for 7.9 miles. Bear right onto a short driveway towards the Queens Sound Boat Ramp.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.