Escape to Chincoteague Island, Virginia

 

Two plus years of Covid quarantine and its easy to get a large dose of cabin fever. Julie and I decided to take a three day respite to Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to "stretch our wings" after a challenging 2021. We joined our friends for a delightful few days at the National Wildlife Refuge.  I had my long time bird watching mentor and the Island did not disappoint in providing lots to identify. Julie was happy to have had some great viewing of the herd of wild horses that has made the area famous.  The following photo essay shows some highlights of our visit. Note : Black Skimmers in the header.

Great Blue Heron

Snowy Egret

White Ibis

Snowy Egret

Unidentified Gull - Juvenile

Willets

Laughing Gulls

Tricolored Heron

Juvenile White Ibis

Ibis in flight

Sanderlings

Royal Terns

Piping Plover

Blue Grosbeak

Red winged Blackbird

Glossy Ibis

Wild Pony's of the Chincoteague herd

The wild pony herd of Chincoteague numbers about 150. They are separate from the Assateague herd that is on the island off the coast of Maryland. Each year the Chincoteague fire department holds a fund raiser where they cull the herd and auction off the year old ponies to the public.  As part of the end of July event they swim the herd across the channel and parade them down the main street.

Cattle Egret on a Wild Pony

Chincoteague Pony with a new foal

Black-bellied Plover

Little Blue Heron

Snowy Egret

Laughing Gulls

Chincoteague Light