Charlotte's Morning Sun

Wow!

Look what was just spotted a few moments ago in the waters between Chincoteague and Wallops Islands- a flamingo! Hurricane Idalia caused flamingos to be blown off course, and they are now being spotted up and down the eastern seaboard far from their Florida home. What a beautiful bird and a rare sighting!
📷 Billy and Maranda Reed

Last minute cancellation July 29-Aug 5, 2023 for Charlotte’s Morning Sun. Book online at

Charlotte's Morning Sun | Coastal Shore Vacations Set in the boutique residential community of Oyster Bay I, ?Charlotte's Morning Sun? is a stunning 5-star waterfront home that offers unobstructed water views and breathtaking vistas of Oyster Bay. Flowing generously over two levels, Charlotte features 4.5 bathrooms and 4 light-filled bedrooms, one....

The snow geese are starting to arrive at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge! As part of the Atlantic Flyway, Assateague Island is a destination for migratory bird lovers. www.chincoteaguechamber.com
VISIT Eastern Shore, Virginia

The Monarchs are coming! Typically, Monarch butterflies, (Danaus plexippus), can be seen migrating through Assateague Island National Seashore from mid-September through mid-October.

Monarch butterflies located all over the North American continent East of the Rocky Mountains migrate to Central Mexico for the winter.

This year September 20th through the 27th might be the optimal time to see them as they fly through our area. The peak day could be September 24th.

Monarchs migrate during the day. Flying up to 100 miles in a day. As they descend from the sky they gather in large groups, called a roost or a bivouac to overnight.

Venture out to Assateague in the early daylight hours to catch a glimpse of the roosting Monarchs. They can be found gathered in the Groundsel bushes and the Goldenrod located along the edges of the roadways and forests. Late summer bloomers, Groundsel and Goldenrod provide nutritious nectar to many species of migrating butterflies and birds.

The predictions in this post are based on information found on Monarch Watch part of the University of Kansas and Journey North a project of the Arboretum at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
https://www.monarchwatch.org/
https://journeynorth.org/
Text and Photo: E. Sprouls
Photo description: Orange and black Monarch butterfly on bright yellow blooms of seaside goldenrod.

A fossilized tooth may help solve the mystery of the Chincoteague ponies After taking a second look at what was thought to be a cow tooth, one scientist has found evidence to help solve the mysterious origin story for these wild ponies.

Charlotte’s rooftop deck is a great place to stargaze!

Every year, between July 17 – August 24 the brightest meteor shower of the year occurs. This month-long meteor shower is made up of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle and is referred to as the Perseids because they appear to come from the constellation Perseus. While you may be able to see a meteor throughout the entire month, the Perseids will peak this year between August 11 & 12 with the potential of 50-60 meteors per hour. This year however, the brightness of the full 🌕 moon may reduce visibility to 10-20 per hour. Here are some helpful tips to maximize your star gazing opportunities on Assateague.

🌠 Bring a beach chair or towel to relax on
🌠 Allow 15-20 minutes for your eyes to adjust fully to the light conditions
🌠 Use binoculars to view the moon close up
🌠 Face away from any light pollution if possible
🌠 If using a flashlight, use a red light to minimize light pollution for others viewing around you
🌠 Bug spray and drinking water are recommended

Photo Alt Text: Visitors relaxing on the beach of Assateague observing the night sky and Milky Way.
Photo Credit: NPS/ Krystina Carpenter

We love to get reports of the birds we track and protect moving on to thrive elsewhere. Here's a new one:

In 2019, Audubon staff banded an oystercatcher chick in Brunswick County. After three years, we got our first report of her—with three chicks at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia!

Are you enjoying Fourth of July weekend at the refuge? Amidst the beach fun, it's helpful to remember to practice "leave no trace" during your visit, packing out your trash and food items. Like many of you, we are strongly committed to the conservation and protection of our fish, wildlife, plants and their environments. With your help, it will be an enjoyable weekend for both humans and the wildlife that call the refuge home!

📷 USFWS
Post text by Randy Navarrete

Have you ever wondered why the south end of Assateague Island and all of Assawoman Island are closed from March 15 to September 15 each year?

In our area, spring heralds the return of migratory birds such as piping plovers, American oystercatchers and least terns. Many of these birds nest on the beach or in the marshes well into the summer. Sadly, since 1970, coastal shorebirds lost more than one-third of their population. Many of these species are federally protected, such as the piping plover. You can protect these vulnerable animals by recreating away from their nurseries.

📷 Lyn Brown/USFWS

Spring hours start today! The refuge is now open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

📷 Donnie Carson/USFWS

The return of shorebirds is a sure sign of the changing season. These royal terns likely spent their winters along the coast of the southeastern U.S. or Gulf of Mexico. Once back in our area, they'll look for safe beaches to nest and raise their young.

P.S. You can contribute to the growing understanding of bird migration by reporting any bird you see that has a leg band (like this tern). Just record the location, codes and colors of all bands you see. Then submit your report here: https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/bblretrv/

📷 Casey Manera/USFWS

Come on out and enjoy a nature break at your local National Wildlife Refuge or Park.

In celebration of Presidents Day, entrance to all Federal public lands is free on February 21!

📷 Katie Walker/USFWS

We are so excited about this!

Good news! The Wildlife Loop is now open to all regular access, so you can drive the trail from 3:00 PM to dusk daily. Thanks to everyone for your patience.

📷 Aubrey Kurtz/USFWS

Thanks to work from our maintenance crew, we'll reopen today at 10:00 a.m.
❄️ Both Visitor Centers remain closed.
❄️ Explore with caution, the trails and parking lots remain icy.
❄️ Watch for hazardous and fallen trees and branches, especially along the bike trail across from the Lighthouse Parking Lot. Our crew will be working to remove these items over the next few days.
❄️Wildlife Loop remains closed to vehicles at this time.
❄️Enjoy the wintry wonderland!

📷 Casey Custer/USFWS

Last night's blizzard brought down trees and branches throughout the refuge. Since snow and high winds are expected to continue, the refuge is currently closed. For your safety, we expect to remain closed through Sunday. We will reopen when conditions are safe, so please stay tuned and keep warm!

📷 Casey Custer/USFWS

Good news, the refuge has reopened! There is still ice ion the bridge, so please drive carefully. We’d love to see your winter photos!

USFWS Photo