We traveled back to Chincoteage in March of 2026 to spend a few days of spring break enjoying the outdoors! Unfortunately it was MUCH colder and windier this year than it had been in years before, so wasn’t as much fun to spend a lot of time outside. But we still had some pretty great wildlife sightings!
First we saw just the very top of the head of a sea otter! Not a great picture but a memory!
Shortly after taking this photo the turkeys flew up into the trees! Who knew turkeys nested in trees??
Dinosaur / snapping turtle. Slow but terrifying
The next shots were all taken from a boat tour we did with Captain Dan! Highly recommend. The weather was much warmer on this day so we didn’t completely freeze while we rode. We had a few great moments and views of the ponies and some oyster catchers!
Our first stop during this spring break adventure was Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. We made two passes through the park and on the second time around Heymi spotted the below animal. Originally I posted that it was a beaver, but later learned it was a muskrat. Much less exciting! But still kinda cute!
Saw only one bald eagle from afar. But still very beautiful!
Saw a few beautiful herons – like this picture the most with it perched in the top of a tree
Quite a few osprey flying and nesting in the area. Guide said they come in once the eagles leave.
After Blackwater we made our way down to Chincoteague. We checked out the national wildlife refuge. We hiked a few trails and drove around the wildlife loop after 3 pm! Saw a few of these birds – all with a slightly different color. This is a glossy ibis!
Got lots of cool pictures of egrets around the area!
Also got to see quite a few of what I believe is a western cattle egret? My birdwatching family will correct me if I get it wrong 🙂
We also got to take a boat tour that drove around the area. This definitely challenged by picture taking ability but it was a cool experience! Below are a few pictures of the double-crested cormorant and some wild ponies!
Also got to see some white ibis up close eating their breakfast!
Common loon!
Oyster catcher!
Also got to see a giant snapping turtle walk across the road and into the bushes! These things look like dinosaurs!
Was a great trip! We will have to come back again in the off season and enjoy the wildlife and the beautiful scenery!
Kelsey's Climb to 59 (+4) 