During a quick trip to Virginia, we drove up to Chincoteague Island for a little birding. A friend of Sally’s, Chip, met up with us for a visit to National Wildlife Refuge and was a wonderful host/guide. Not only does he know his birds and is a skilled photographer, he has a sand permit allowing him to get out closer to some of the good birding areas with his SUV. It was hot and muggy but a great chance to get reacquainted with shorebirds.

Chip not only brought his 4WD vehicle, he brought his spotting scope and shorebird knowledge.

There were a number of Tri-colored Herons doing their stealthy stalk

Looks like a Greater Yellowlegs

We watched dozens of terns, mostly Forster’s, learning to get their food, diving from he bridge to the water.

Semi-palmated Sandpipers foraging

There were many Clapper Rails about, chasing one another, acting like chickens on drugs. (Sandpiper in background.)

After supper, we went back looking for night herons without luck but did see this nice Green Heron.

Leaving the refuge, Sally spotted about a dozen Chincoteague ponies in the hazy distance, part of the wild herd that just show up here and there on the island. They were a nice end to the outing.