One of the best things about Assateague Island next to Chincoteague, Va., is its ecological diversity. As you drive, bike or walk thru the The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is on the island you can experience maritime forest, saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and finally beach and the sea all within a few miles of road. (Please see below for additional photos and text)
The photos that I took on today’s post were taken on the beach portion of the refuge which is part of the Assateague Island National Seashore which looks out on the Atlantic Ocean. Assateague Island National Seashore runs along two states: Virginia and Maryland.
The post’s top photo is of an oyster catcher looking for some breakfast in the post dawn surf. Nearby right next to a parking lot another oyster catcher nested. (see photo at bottom of post)
Reaching the ocean after photographing birds, raccoon, deer and ponies at the refuge is quite refreshing. Especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes are somewhat more abundant in other parts of the refuge.
Sea birds frequently glide over the waves making for some nice shots.
For some more of my posts on Chincoteague, please check out the following link Chincoteague area Iseebeautyallaround.
If you are a bird lover, please visit my new page on this blog, titled Winged Wonders to see bird photos from all around that have been included on past posts.
Some other photographers contributions to the weekly challenge
Love the first four images. Final selection vote is #2. Great post!
Thank you Rick. By the way, I like your blog too. Great photos and very informative.
Beautiful images. That is a pretty bird.
Oh wow, it’s been years since I visited here..great pictures.
Thank you! It is a fun place and great location for photography.
Great photos Rob, and thanks for the shout out!
Great!
Sent from my iPad
Gorgeous shots!
Thank you so much. The Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of my favorite places to go.
We lived on Chincoteague for 6 months while househunting on the Eastern Shore. Ended up on Deal Island on the Bayside for 8 years.
how did you like living on Chincoteague?
We loved it during the “off season” . . .
Our favorite place to eat was AJ’s on the Creek. Especially at lunch.
Yeah, AJ’s is a cool place! I have never been there during the busy time, just in February and in May. It would be fun to be there for the Pony Swim once though.