[va-richmond-general] Fisherman Island Field Trip: Saturday 31 October 2009

There are still spaces available for participants for our annual Halloween Trip to Fisherman Island. To borrow an excerpt from the USFWS webpage:

"Located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, this area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge on their voyage south. Favorable weather patterns push migrating species through the area in waves. Clouds of tree swallows swirl over ponds and flame orange and black-winged monarch butterflies float aloft. Protected habitats such as these provide critical stopover areas where birds and butterflies can rest and feed before resuming their arduous journey."

You must sign up for this trip as the number of participants is limited to reduce impact on this fragile habitat. We will meet at the ESNWR Visitor's Center at 8:30 am. The trip is led by Naturalist's with the refuge. The toll for the CBBT is $12.00. If you are returning across within 24 hours the return toll is 5 dollars.. This is a great trip and a unique opportunity to visit an area closed to the public. Be prepared to walk on loose sand. Bring water, snacks and be prepared for quickly changing weather. No facilities on the Island. The trip runs till  about noon.  After that we usually head to Stingray's for lunch and bird around Cape Charles. No camping this year as Kiptopeke will be closed for road work.

Please contact me at 804.530.3660 to sign up.

Hope you can join us.

Julie Kacmarcik