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
190 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Queen Sound Landing:
- Brant
- Bufflehead
- American Oystercatcher
- Horned Grebe
- Eared Grebe
- Common Grackle
- Red-breasted Merganser
- American Herring Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Boat-tailed Grackle
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Feb 2026 | 6 | Henry Dennison |
| 21 Feb 2026 | 4 | Jonathan Guldan |
| 21 Feb 2026 | 7 | Jackson Savage |
| 21 Feb 2026 | 7 | Blaine Neidlinger |
| 21 Feb 2026 | 7 | Annie Martin |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
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.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Accomack County Dept. of Public Works: 757-787-1468, 757-824-0020; pworks@co.accomack.va.us
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.