Chincoteague Island

I am going to be in the area of Chincoteague Island this week and thought to stop by the refuge. But I now see that the annual pony swim if this Wednesday (the very day I planned to be there). Have any of you ever been to the event? Can you offer any insight (other than to stay away, which I have considered due to the expected throngs of people)?

So I did some investigating and decided to give it a go. I have little desire to participate in the madness that is the pony swim. I'm told that last year there were over 20,000 visitors for the event. But sources at the wildlife refuge center said it would be the perfect day to visit the center, as everyone is in downtown Chincoteague and the WLRC is practically empty.

Wish me luck.

A couple of years ago, I went the day before the swim. That's the day the "saltwater cowboys" walk the herd down the beach to the corral. Not much of a photo opportunity, but I got a few. Didn't stay for the swim the following day.

Lots of oppotunity for bird shots in the marsh along the road leading to the beach, if you can find a spot to park.

Oh, keep your eyes open for the delmarva fox squirrel. Also, piping plovers at the beach.

good luck.

I have been to both, the herding down the beach as well as the pony swim. The swim is a zoo, lots of people but fun nevertheless.