Tag Archives: Chincoteague Island

Refuge Offers Free Passes to Military

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To show appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. Military, on May 19 – Armed Forces Day – the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance for active duty military members and their dependents to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and every unit of the Refuge System, as well as National Parks and other public lands.

“Through the years, military members, especially those far from home in times of conflict, have found inspiration and rejuvenation in America’s wild landscapes. Their dedication enables all Americans to enjoy these special places in safety and security,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “This new pass gives us a way to thank members of the Armed Forces and their families for their service and their sacrifices.”

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up their pass at the entrance fee booths at the refuge. They must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html.

Currently, 35 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System charge entrance fees. This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance all of them, as well as to sites managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service that charge entrance fees. The pass is also available through these Federal agencies.

“We’re proud to open our refuge to the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families,” said Refuge Manager Lou Hinds.   “Refuges across the nation offer outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, and we hope they’ll be able to relax and have fun with their families on this or any of our other outstanding refuges.”

The Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System and the military have strong ties. More than 200,000 acres of the Refuge System are former military lands, and nearly 50 of the 556 units in the Refuge System include lands transferred from the military to the Service. Following World War I and all subsequent conflicts in our nation’s history, returning veterans took advantage of hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational opportunities on refuge lands – and thousands continue to enjoy these activities. Today, the Service employs some 1,400 veterans in full-time and temporary positions, equal to nearly 20 percent of the agency’s workforce.

To See Chincoteague Ponies, Wildlife Assateague Bus Tour Is Best Bet

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By Cyndel Brunell

”What kind of bird is that?”

“How much smaller are the Chincoteague ponies from regular sized horses?”

“Are there any foals this time of year?”

“How deep is the water they swim in?”

If you want answers to these questions and many more you should take the bus tour out into the wilderness of Assateague Island on the East Coast of Virginia. On this ride you will see the world famous Chincoteague ponies and other wildlife in their natural habitat. 

The tour bus begins it 2012 schedule April 6 with a Friday trip at 4 p.m. For current information regarding wildlife tours, or to purchase tickets, inquire at the refuge visitor center or call the CNHA office at (757) 336-3696

The CNHA offers visitors the opportunity to tour the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge during the months of April to November. The tour accesses areas of the refuge that are normally only open to foot traffic. The tour covers approximately 15 miles and lasts about 90 minutes.

Depending on the time of year, foals may be frolicking in the vast forest and bush of the island or mares may be grazing in the saltwater grasses. Always standing guard nearby, is the stallion who commands a band of mares and foals. The bus leaves from near the information center and has now been in operation for a little over six years. In October I went on my first bus tour. The tours are ran by the Chincoteague Natural History Association, a large group of volunteers that supports agencies that run this national park in many ways.

The bus takes you 7 ½ miles out into the wilderness. Inside the bus there is a wheelchair lift, two double seated flip up benches, and individual seats two next to each other going down the aisle. Each seat has a very large window with hatches so you can take pictures without the interference of glass. Some drivers will tell you not to open the hatches, however. Many people from around the world go to the refuge to experience this tour of the island trails.

You can see many ponies of the larger northern herd on this trip, the herd that is kept out of sight of the public until Pony Penning. This is the big event that draws thousands to Chincoteague and Assateague each July. Ponies are not the only animals you will see on this relaxing yet exciting nearly two-hour journey. The smaller southern herd of wild ponies is sometimes seen right from your car on the right side of Beach Road, on the way out to the Atlantic Ocean.

On your bus trip you may also see sika elk, white tailed deer, turtles, egrets, snow geese, hawks, eagles, Canada geese, the glossy ibis and other migrating birds. With any luck you might see a Delmarva fox squirrel, an endangered animal that gets lots of attention from park managers. And in the nesting season you might get a distant look at a piping plover cage that provides protection against predators. The piping plover is a small at risk bird. Each trip promises something new.

The driver will stop or slow down whenever they see something and will normally give you a description of the animal. On rare occasions however, there can be a few surprises that you may not see regularly. Horses sometimes interact with other animals, or a predator bird catching food in a near-view. There are always unexpected happenings on this tour.

One thing is for certain though, you are sure to learn a lot about this historic barrier island from the driver-tour guides. The drivers are very well informed and just full of interesting details. You will most likely be with people from all over the country and even other countries. The questions above the first paragraph were asked on a tour this past summer by guests from Annapolis, Md., Long Island, New York; Michigan and Accomack County.

This is not a rushed tour and it is not expensive. For tour times and prices go to www.assateague.com. One word of caution, there are nice, clean restrooms at the information center where you buy your tickets, but this is the last one you will see until you return. Passengers are not allowed to get off the bus.

The information center which now runs the bus tours is where you buy tickets. It is a good idea to call in advance, because many trips are sold out. Officials of the historical association have talked about getting another bus. Also they run special tours upon request in advance. I hope I have inspired some readers to consider going on this tour. It is the only way, really, to be sure you will see the wild ponies up close by traveling on land. Unless, of course you want to hike the seven miles out, which some people do. The drivers and tour guides are well informed. I will assure you that you will at least be stunned, marveled, fascinated or surprised at things you may see or learn. I know I enjoyed this wilderness adventure and hope you will too.

 

Backyard Birds are Celebrated at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

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With our region’s mild winter weather, more and more people are seeking opportunities to enjoy the out-of-doors or to get out and enjoy public lands such as our national wildlife refuges.  The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) offers a chance to do both.  Taking place in backyards and nature centers throughout North America, the GBBC will be celebrated locally at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, from February 17-20.

At the Chincoteague refuge, volunteers will be on hand to tally and discuss the species in the backyard bird garden of the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center.  As seasoned local birdwatchers, knowledgeable about local bird species, native plants, and bird-feeding tips, these volunteers will share stories of the species they observe while providing more information to visitors on creating backyard habitats. 

The four-day event is open to bird watchers of all ages and skill levels. Participants watch birds for any length of time on one or more days of the count and enter their tallies (at no charge) at www.birdcount.org.  From reports of rare species to large-scale tracking of bird movements, the GBBC provides insight into the lives of birds. The results provide a snapshot of the whereabouts of more than 600 bird species.  Citizen participants become scientists, just by counting and observing.

“This bird count offers individuals and families a chance to learn more about the winter visitors to their backyard,” said Kevin Holcomb, Refuge Biologist at Chincoteague NWR, “while also providing valuable data to scientists and conservation researchers.”

Mid-February is chosen as the time for the Great Backyard Bird Count because it offers a good picture of the birds typically found throughout the winter months.  It also coincides with migration for some species, such as egrets or marsh birds. That window of transition affords an opportunity to detect changes in timing for northward migration.

On the www.birdcount.org website, participants can explore real-time maps and charts that show what others are reporting during the count. The site has tips to help identify birds and special materials for educators. Participants may also enter the GBBC photo contest by uploading images taken during the count. Many images will be featured in the GBBC website’s photo gallery. All participants are entered in a drawing for prizes that include bird feeders, binoculars, books, CDs, and many other great birding products.

The bird count is a joint project of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada.  For additional details on the Refuge’s bird count event at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center, call 757-336-6122 or visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/.

Stories Lead More Chincoteague Ponies to Rescue Pastures

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By Robert Boswell

Publisher, Wild Pony Tales

Part of the job of running the Chincoteague Pony Rescue calls for detective work.

When she finishes feeding, watering, checking for any sign of sickness and giving medical care to those ponies who arrive in poor condition, Debbie Ober sits at her computer and goes searching for anything she can find on the Rescues in her pastures.

The famous Assateague Island stallion, Tornado, gets a rub from Debbie Ober. Tornado is the sire of Prince, who was sold to the Buy Back Babes for $17,500, the highest amount ever paid for a Chincoteague pony. Tornado moved to the Ober farm when he was injured and is now at his forever home. Photo by Robert Boswell

She is up to 10 rescued Chincoteague ponies now. Five were bought at the famous auction held each July, two of them this past Pony Penning, an event that draws thousands to Chincoteague Island each summer. Another Rescue pony is coming in next week. Debbie has 11 ponies of her own.

Debbie and husband, Tom, had rescued other breeds over the years, but decided to focus on Chincoteagues in 2000. By 2008 they had made the move to only Chincoteagues.  Since the publication in November of the Wild Pony Tales story in the Eastern Shore News, Chincoteague Beacon, Horse Force Monthly, the Caroline Review and elsewhere the Ober farm in Ridgely, Maryland has become a beehive of activity.

A website, www.chincoteagueponyrescue.org is now up and running. There is constant posting to the Rescue Facebook page which is up to 445 Friends. With overlap Debbie’s personal page has 1,300 Friends. Paperwork had to be complete for filing both Maryland non-profit status as well as the federal non-profit application. There are frequent trips for feed, hay, bedding and medical supplies.

Usually a rescued pony coming to the Obers or leaving for adoption means hooking up their trailer and providing transportation, sometimes far away.

And then there is the constant vigil for donations. “We have received donations from many pony friends, family members and the Buy Back Babes,” said Debbie. “We also received a donation from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company in early December. We are running a hay drive as we speak to earn funds for continued hay for the rescue ponies” Debbie adds, “Again, any help would be appreciated and welcomed.”

 

 She and Tom are also looking for personal and corporate sponsorships for the ponies and the rescue organization.  Corporate sponsors will be listed on the horse trailer and elsewhere, she said.

It takes approximately $1,500 per year per pony for feed and hay including veterinary care (vaccines and worming), farrier, etc. “So right now, it takes about $30,000 per year for 21 ponies, which is our current number, including our older retirement ponies, rehabs and ponies ready for adoption,” said Debbie.  Inquiries about donations or adoptions can be made by going to the Rescue website or by emailing Debbie at hawkeye@goeaston.net. Her cell is 410-829-3026 and messages may be left on her Facebook page. The mailing address is P.O. Box 125, Ridgely, MD 21660.

Fees for adoption usually run $600 to $800, depending on the cost incurred to acquire the pony and to pay for health issues.  “We don’t add any additional charge for feed, hay or months of care, which is usually required,” said Debbie.  It can require a great effort to make sure any pony adopted out is in fact a Chincoteague pony.

“It is important to verify the lineage of each rescue for several reasons,” said Debbie. “First, to make sure it is an island-bred pony.  Secondly, some of the pony people are looking for certain bloodlines and will be more apt to adopt if we know who the sire and dam is.”

So the detective work begins.

“If the pony comes with registration papers or purchase receipt from the auction, I don’t have much time invested at all,” said Debbie. “I have several ways of tracking ponies without the documentation, I have several websites with pony information that I look at. Also, I refer to my personal photo’s taken since 1998 or post the pony’s photo on Facebook so that other pony peeps or BBB’s can check their records.  This way takes hours and sometimes days to research.”

A rescue pony on the Tom and Debbie Ober farm shows markings from a halter that was on either too tight or too long.

Debbie and Tom said they have no access to fire company records.  We were told that the records were lost or misplaced several years ago. That is all I can get on that. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns the herds that live on Assateague Island and cares for them year round, including a medical check at each of three roundups. the spring roundup this year is scheduled for April 13 and 14.

“I understand that some of the buyers have received a “certificate of authenticity” stating that they own a real Chincoteague Pony, but there is not a listing of the sire, dam, etc. like the papers received in past years.  I personally have sent in registrations only to have my envelope returned.”

Debbie continues, “I was told that the CVFC is working on rectifying this.  I now have 14 sets of registration papers to send in, but have decided to hand carry them. Breeders want registered ponies with papers,” Debbie said. “They can go to any auction and buy a”grade” pinto pony for $50, so why pay up to $2,500 to buy a”pure island pony.”

Two of the four ponies saved from the “kill” barn in Pennsylvania, Ginger and Captain, have been nursed back to good health and have been adopted into new homes. Ginger found a forever home in Virginia.  She will be used as an ambassador for the breed and shown at the Pony Centre on Chincoteague.  Ginger has started her under saddle training so that she will be ready to ride this summer.   

Captain found his forever home in Virginia, soon to move to N.C.  His adoptive family is retiring and building a new house, barn and pasture for Captain and his “little sister” Sunny Dee, a 2011 Filly purchased at the auction on Chincoteague.  He is doing great and loves all of the attention from his new family. 

All of the Ober’s detective work is for verification. She has a network set up to watch out for Chincoteague’s in trouble. “I am still checking weekly on several websites for rescue ponies, said Debbie. ” The brokers post weekly and I have a few Facebook friends that will send me notes if they see a pony on their local Craigslist or in their papers.  One of the brokers is now sending me direct messages if they get a Chincoteague Pony in their barn, which means the word about our rescue is getting out there.  Occasionally I have friends attend the local auctions and they will call me if a pony goes through and is unsold. 

The Obers stress they do not want to be a dumping ground for people who no longer want their ponies. “We want to rescue those Chincoteague Ponies in neglected, abusive and auction situations, get them to safety and then into forever homes,” said Tom.         

Here is the rundown on rescued ponies are ready for adoption.

Sevanna – 2005 Sun Bleached Black Mare – Her grandsires were General Lee and Hurricane, both now deceased.  Bought from kill buyers in early December 2011.  She also had strangles and had 30 days quarantine.  She is sound but has multiple old scars on her legs due to wire cuts.  Also has scaring on her back due to harness chaffing (poor fitting equipment or too long in harness). 

Allie- 2011 Bay Pinto Filly – By Miracle Man – purchased at the 2011 Pony Penning auction – Owner relinquished due to expense of monthly board. 

Breeze – 2008 Buckskin mare – Sick on arrival when she was 5 months old – severe parasite infestation.  Healthy after 6 months of veterinary care.  She is a purebred Chincoteague, one generation off island.   Breeze is available for adoption.

Dancer- 2010 Chestnut Mare by Cezanne – Privately purchased in 2011 – Owner relinquished due to moving.  She had 7 horses and could only take two.   

Sandman -  Sandman’s mother was a “free” pony, already bred with Sandman.  We took her knowing she was in foal and wanted them both to have a good home until we could get them adopted.  Sandman is a Chestnut colt by Cezanne, born here on the farm in April 2011 and is available for adoption

Clipper – a small bay gelding, one of the three original rescued from the “kill” barn in Pennsylvania in September. Clipper arrived at the Ober farm

with no hair from under his jaw to his chin with pus oozing from a dozen sores. He was unable to stand but is in good health now. Clipper is a registered Chincoteague pony, bought at the July 2001 wild pony auction. His sire is Gunner Moon, a well known Island stallion.

Blair - a pony that Debbie took because she was already bred.  She is a 2007 Chestnut mare.  She is in the adoption program.  She is a companion pony only (no riding)  due to a leg injury before she came to the farm.  She stumbles occasionally on the left hind leg due to the injury.

Some rescued ponies are considered in their forever home on the Ober farm.

One is Moon Shine, a 2011 Bay Pinto Colt sired by the stallion Wild Bill, purchased at the 2011 Pony Penning auction.  The owner relinquished and donated the foal to the rescue due to health problems and a move out of state.  “The owner asked us to use him to teach others, especially children, about caring for the ponies so that they don’t end up in an abuse or auction situation.  He is not available for adoption.”

Another is Tornado, one of the Island most famous stallions. “A buckskin pinto stallion born in 1988, he was king of his band for two decades,” said Debbie. “Though he inhabited the same island and roamed the sandy beaches of Assateague made famous by “Misty of Chincoteague,” Tornado become a legend of his own. “He has sired many foals over the years and is one of the most photographed stallions on the island,” said Debbie. He was removed from the herd after being injured.

Tornado is the sire of Prince, bought by the Buyback Babes in 2007 for $17,500, the most ever paid for a Chincoteague pony.

Refuge Staff Goes All Out for ‘A Celebration of Migration’

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By Robert Boswell

Publisher, Wild Pony Tales

This is the time of year when the outstanding work of the biologists and park rangers at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the National Park Service is showcased, helped along of course by the arrival of the snow geese and other migrating waterfowl.

I sometimes worry that the year-long fallout from the alternative beach parking controversy will overshadow all that is good about having the Refuge so close, about having a place we can go where it is quiet and we can, at least for a few hours, give our minds a break.

No matter what our views are on the future of beach parking and refuge management let’s not forget to give credit to the highly qualified and dedicated staff members who keep the place running every day of the year. I do not say this tritely or lightly.

I have taken our writers to Assateague many times to gather information for the stories on this website and I cannot recall an instance when our sources – I mean Lou Hinds, his managers, the biologists and park rangers – were not helpful and knowledgeable. Most of the people at the Refuge have degrees it took them years to obtain.

When I was teaching journalism in middle school I would sometimes have a student working on a class assignment call Amanda Daisy, the wildlife biologist, right from class, a real life interview by a 6th or 7th grader.

On a sad note I want to mention a park ranger who was especially helpful to us, Barry Brookshire. Barry was at the Refuge for 16 months until his contract ran out and then he returned to his home in Texas. But soon after he was found to have a malignant tumor in his colon. Doctors were successful in treating Barry but he has been unable to return to work. While at the Refuge he answered many questions for our young writers with all the patience of the teacher that he once was. At the Refuge Barry was what he called a “roving ranger,” moving around the pathways, talking to people, answering questions. If he didn’t know the answer he would go and find it.

Waterfowl Week is a special time at the Refuge. We have the event highlights in another story but what follows are more details, the times, places and descriptions of the activities coming up over Thanksgiving. Every single event is worth attending.

One of the big issues I have with the whole Assateague show is how easy it is to come here and never see a pony, or see them only at a great distance. When our niece, Marcy, was little I don’t think we got to see any ponies, except the ones at McDonalds for which I was thankful, until her third visit. And she only made it here once a year. We did see plenty of evidence, but few ponies.