Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to photograph a great variety of birds in a short amount of time. The species available will vary with the season as many species spend their nesting seasons here and move south for winter. As some species move out others move through while for others it is a preferred winter destination. Chincoteague NWR is an important Eastern Shore wintering grounds for many species of waterfowl.
Double-crested Cormorants are voracious fish eating birds and the fish filled tidal creeks of Assateague Island attract them in large numbers. When not fishing the cormorants can be found hanging out near the water either resting or with wings spread wide, drying their plumage.
White Ibis, a long-legged wader of the deep south is also found here. On this particular visit all of the White Ibis I encountered were juveniles. These birds seemed to be particularly trusting and allowed me to move cautiously about capturing beautiful close-up images.
