Boat Trip- Photo by Jerry Via
Thumbnail Photo - Clapper Rail by Seth Honig
The annual Chincoteague Field trip will be Friday, September 11 thru Sunday, September 13. This is a chance to see a wide array of shore birds and water fowl and sometimes unexpected birds migrating through.
VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2026 or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here!
Field trips will be offered Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and Sunday morning. Advance registration for specific trips is not required. Offerings will include the Island Nature Trail in the town of Chincoteague, the Marsh Trail on the Wildlife Loop and the beach area of the refuge.
There will be two boat trips (weather permitting). These trips are very popular and advance registration is required.
TRIP REGISTRATION Please register online HERE. Provide the names of participants in your party with each person’s telephone number and email address so we can contact you as needed. If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Currin, trip coordinator, at rcurrin1@mindspring.com or (804) 405-5421.
HEADQUARTERS The Refuge Inn on Beach Road in Chincoteague will be the host hotel (800-544-8469 or 757-336-5511). Room rates for Friday and Saturday nights are $140.25 (plus tax) per night for a single or a double room with 2 queen beds ($10 extra per night for king bed), minimum two-night stay. For those arriving a day early or staying an extra day, the rate for Thursday and Sunday nights is $123.25 (plus tax). The Refuge Inn is non-smoking and no pets are allowed. Check-in time is 4:00pm, and check-out time is 11:00am. To assure the VSO rate, make reservations by August 1 and state you are with the VSO when you call. NOTE: There is a one-week cancellation notice if you decide to cancel your reservation.
MEALS
The Refuge Inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests. The night before, you’ll fill out a form with your order. For Saturday and Sunday, they will deliver all bags to the conference room by 6:30 am for you to pick up. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 We’ll hold a Zoom call at 7:30 pm to overview the weekend and have a special presentation by Jerry Via. We’ll record the call and send the link afterwards for those who can’t attend the live call.
BOAT TRIPS 2:00 PM FRIDAY and SATURDAY (SEP 11 and 12) – ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Two birding by boat trips will be offered, on Friday at2:00 pm and Saturday at 2:00 pm. This is a two-hour trip with a local boat captain and his crew. You havea chance to check out the marshes and tidal flats up-close for interesting water birds and raptors. The fee per person is $35, and you will pay in cash as you board the boat (exact change, please). Bring additional cash for tip (to crew) on the boat. Departure is from the Curtis Merritt Marina at the Sound end of Chincoteague Island, 2246 Curtis Merritt Lane. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. NOTE: You can sign up for both boat trips if you’d like. For some folks, this is their favorite part of the weekend!
FRIDAY, SEPT 11, 5:00-6:00 PM MEET-AND-GREET We will have a Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour from 5-6 pm outside at the far end of the Refuge Inn lawn (on the pool side). Bring your own beverage and folding chair if you prefer to sit.
FIELD TRIPS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Field trips for the weekend will be offered Saturday morning and afternoon as well as Sunday morning. Advance registration for these trips is not required. Offerings will include the Island Nature Trail in Chincoteague, Marsh Trail on the Wildlife Loop, and the beach area. Details will be provided closer to the weekend.
SATURDAY EVENING, 5:30 PM TALLY Weather permitting, we’ll have a tally of the day's species outdoors at 5:30 pm, around the picnic tables at the far end of the Refuge Inn (on the pool side). You can bring a chair if you prefer not to sit at one of the tables.
OTHER LODGING IN THE AREA If you’re unable to get a room at the Refuge Motor Inn, you may want to try these motels close by: Spark by Hilton (formerly Best Western, 757-336-6557), Days Inn by Wyndham (757-828-4835) and Comfort Suites (757-336-3700). For additional information about lodging and restaurant options, check out the Chincoteague town website: www.chincoteaguechamber.com