Chincoteague, Virgina

We were able to get away this weekend for a trip to Chincoteague, Virginia. The beach was packed with people and the wildlife refuge was packed with birds. We hadn't been there in a while and were surprised by some changes, like the new causeway bridge that now obstructs the pristine view of the marsh on the bay from our favorite hotel. Many shops on the island have gone out of business and new ones have sprung up, but generally things are much the same. The beach on Assateague Island now is much shorter beach and has no dunes. The wildlife refuge however, seems very much the same. It was good to see the water level high. Fall migration has started and we were able to see some nice birds. Here is a list of some of our favorites: Brown Pelican, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Black-Necked Stilt, Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Long-Billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Osprey, Double-Crested Cormorant, Green-Backed Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Piping Plover, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Laughing Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, American Oystercatcher, Canada Goose, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret.



A view of Snow Goose Pond in early morning

Bird tracks on the beach

Greater Black-Backed Gull

Here is the reason that most people come to the Wildlife Refuge on Assateatue Island, a view of the wild ponies of Chincoteague.