With more than 14,000 acres of beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge provides a vital resting and feeding area for millions of migratory birds. One of the most popular destinations within the National Wildlife Refuge System, this refuge situated mainly on Virginia's Assateage Island, protects a variety of wildlife and plant species, some of them endangered or threatened. Through her striking color photography, Irene Hinke-Sacilotto reveals the glory of the refuge's diverse habitats and the many creatures that dwell within. Reader's of all ages will enjoy this visual journey into the ecological treasure that is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

StatementLying at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shoreof Virginia and Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuges arepart of a national system of lands managed to ensure thefuture of wildlife and their habitats. These refuges serve asone of the country's most valuable stopovers for migratorybirds. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and ChesapeakeBay, the refuges include a variety of habitats such as maritimeforest, shrub thickets, grasslands, beaches and tidal wetlands.These habitats provide a vital link for millions of songbirds, raptors, shorebirds and butterflies to rest and refuel beforecontinuing the rigorous journey to their wintering grounds

For the parent adventuring with a curious child or the experienced birder in new territory, the weekend wanderer or the seasoned naturalist, Curtis Badger's user-friendly guide provides an engaging discussion about just the sorts of wondrous things the interested observer will encounter on a visit to Virginia's coastline.tag: A handy family guide to Virginia's diverse coastline from the Eastern Shore's favorite naturalist