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| Ed Hagaman photo of pony and colt |
Tens of thousands of people are flocking to Virginia’s Eastern Shore to watch the wild pony round-up on Assateague Island, held this Wednesday, July 27.
The Chincoteague volunteer fire department rounds up the ponies and herds them across the channel to Chincoteague Island. There some of the foals and yearlings will be auctioned off at their annual carnival before the swim back on Friday.
Made famous by the book and movie “Misty of Chincoteague,” the pony swim and auction began in 1925 when the town needed money to buy fire equipment after some devastating fires. Today it has become a national treasure and is often featured on Good Morning America.
The exact time of the swim isn’t announced more than a day in advance because of tidal conditions - the waters need to be “slack calm” to protect ponies born in the spring and early summer – but it’s generally sometime between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Island Wildlife
In addition to being home to over 300 wild ponies, Assateague Island is famous for its magnificent birds, attracting birding enthusiasts worldwide to this vital resting and feeding grounds. Over 300 species of migratory or resident birds may be seen here.
One way to view the island’s wildlife is by boat – nature tours are available seven days a week between late May and early October. There are also bike and kayak rentals.
Or you can experience the wild ponies, birds, beaches and stunning sunrises and sunsets on foot. Greg Pels, past president of Richmond Camera Club, organizes photography excursions there several times a year. See his slide show of birds and beauty at http://www.examiner.com/day-trips-in-richmond/chincoteague-fire-department-rounds-up-wild-ponies-on-assateague-island.
Assateague Island National Seashore has over 37 miles of unspoiled beach and spans 48,000 acres in Virginia and Maryland.
