The Virginia Beach Audubon group visited Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge for its October field trip. The refuge is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore and is noted for its wild ponies and the beautiful Chincoteague Light House.
The refuge was awash with thousands of Snow Geese. The location of the refuge is a prime stopping off place on the Atlantic Flyway. Some of the Snow Geese will travel farther south after resting up and feeding at Chincoteague, while others will remain at the refuge for the remainder of the winter.
The waterfowl were so plentiful that the Audubon members did not know which way to look. Eighteen members of the Virginia Beach Audubon Chapter took part in the field trip. A few members of the Cape Henry Audubon Chapter and, even a member of the Minneapolis Minnesota Audubon Chapter, joined them.
The magnificent Hooded Merganser was just one of the many migrating waterfowl that were present. Other highlights were Buffleheads, Shovelers, and hundreds of Pintails.
Members had a beautiful fall afternoon for birding. It was a good time to compare notes, help newer birders with identification skills, and maybe even pick up a life bird or two.
The ever elusive American Bittern was just one of the many shorebirds spotted on the refuge and the adjacent Assateague National Seahore.
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