Assateague
Island is a vital resting and feeding area for a large variety of birds. The Chincoteague
National Wildlife Refuge is located on Assateague Island and is one of the most
popular birding destinations in the United States. Assateague
birdwatchers enjoy
the island's wealth of over 300 species of migratory and resident birds.
Assateague is an essential part of the Atlantic flyway and is prime habitat for
thousands of waterfowl and other birds with migrational instincts that carry them
north and south annually.
Visitors can explore Assateague if they walk or bicycle it's extensive nature
trails or join a popular "marine
eco-tour" which offers them a chance to see more of the refuge
and its wildlife by boat. An eco voyage is often the best way to encounter peregrine
falcons, sandpipers,
egrets, osprey, terns, gulls, waterfowl, marine-life, and (especially) wild ponies.
Wild ponies and other wildlife are often encountered when visitors travel by boat
along the extensive inland waters of Assateague Island.
Some
people believe that the wild
ponies of Assateague arrived on Assateague Island when a Spanish
galleon cargo ship (with a cargo of horses) sank off the coast and the horses
swam to shore. Others believe the wild horses arrived there via early colonial
settlers. Recently in 1997, a Spanish shipwreck was discovered off Assateague
Island, which lends credit to the first theory. In any event, the ponies have
become well adapted to the seashore ecosystem where they feed on saltmarsh cordgrass,
dune grasses, bayberry twigs, rosehips, and persimmons.
Many recreational opportunities on Assateague Island exist, including four
wheel driving on the beach, seashell collecting along seldom traveled
sands, clamming, swimming, surf fishing, beach hiking and more. Ocean City, Maryland
is only 1/4 mile away from Assateague Island (20 minutes drive by car) . Ocean
City has lodging, restaurants, fishing & beach supplies, and many activities
to add to your vacation.
After a few days visiting Assateague Maryland and Ocean City, you may wish to
drive one hour south to the Virginia end of Assateague Island and visit it's unspoiled
beaches and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge. On your way, you will go through
the town of Chincoteague Island (home of the pony
swim). Chincoteague is known for its great view of the Assateague
Lighthouse. Chincoteague has lodging, seafood, sportfishing,
fantastic bird watching
and marine eco-tourism - the latter due to its close proximity to Assateague
and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge there.
A
visit to Assateague is an experience you will treasure for many years. Recreational
opportunities and nearby places to stay and eat at Ocean City, M.D. and Chincoteague
Island, V.A. help make Assateague Island a place worth visiting.
Accomodations
