VSO’s Field Trip Co-Coordinator Lee Adams invites you to join her for birding along the Virginia coast December 2 – 4, 2022

COVID GUIDELINES
VSO is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all participants. We encourage every participant to be vaccinated, if at all possible. By registering for this event, you agree to abide by all guidance provided by the CDC, individual field trip leaders, and local businesses.

VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2022 or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here!

REGISTER for the trip HERE

SCHEDULE: Friday, December 2, Lee will lead a walk at Pleasure House Point Natural Area (3857 Marlin Bay Drive, VA Beach) from 9:30 – 11:30 am.

NOTE: Thursday and Friday nights, Lee is staying at Surfbreak Oceanfront Hotel, 1101 Atlantic Ave., VA Beach, VA 23451. Front Desk: 757-422-5000. Or choose your own – winter hotel rates are reasonable.

After a lunch on your own, birders are welcome to reassemble at the Great Marsh Trail at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge at 2:30 pm. The Great Marsh Trail is located off SR 615 on the Marsh Causeway, 3.4 miles east of the turn-off for the refuge office. We will end the day at the nearby Kuralt Trail platform in hopes of seeing Tundra Swans and Snow Geese fly in to roost. 

Those who are interested may meet for dinner Friday night and tally the day’s birds.

Saturday morning, December 3, we will cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and meet at 9:00 am at the large rest area (on the right) at the north end of the tunnel near the toll area. Depending on recent reports, we will bird in nearby areas on the lower Shore.

Then we’ll head to Willis Wharf and convene there at 11:30 enroute to Chincoteague. You can stop for lunch on the way to Chincoteague or proceed to the hotel of your choice in Chincoteague.

NOTE: Saturday and Sunday nights, Lee is staying at Marina Bay Hotel and Suites, 3801 South Main Street, Chincoteague, VA 23336 Front Desk: 757-941-7276.

Saturday afternoon, meet Lee at 3:00 pm and she’ll lead a caravan around the Refuge's Wildlife Loop and finish the day at Tom’s Cove.

Sunday morning, December 4, meet Lee at 8:00 am at Tom's Cove near the visitor center. The group will bird the beach at the Wildlife Refuge. If people are interested, Lee will be available to bird at Saxis Wildlife Management Area or Mutton Hunk Fen in the afternoon.

Note that all meals and hotel reservations are on your own. Hotel accommodations should be easy to book in early December and the rates should be reasonable.

Check the weather and bring clothes appropriate for temperatures and winds.

Questions? Contact Lee Adams at this email or by phone: 540-850-0777. We look forward to seeing you!