Sunset on Chincoteague Wetlands 2Sunset on wetlands in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia, featuring ponies in the background.

Another summer, another trip to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia. It's a lovey place to visit.

Ponies in wetlandsPonies grazing in wetlands on Assateague Island in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia.

I spent some time photographing the ponies that reside on the island. I got some mares with their foals and some birds.

Foal, Bird, and MareTwo Chincoteague ponies, a foal and a mare, encounter a bird in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

The Pony and the Bird 1A Chincoteague pony grazing with a bird in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

The Pony and the Bird 2A Chincoteague pony grazing with a bird in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

There are quite a few snowy egrets that spend time on the island as well. I took a few photos of them. They're distinguished by their white plumage and they have yellow feet that match their bills.

Snowy Egret ProfileProfile of a snowy egret in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Snowy Egret BalancingA snowy egret balancing on one leg in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Snowy Egret Wings SpreadA snowy egret with wings spread in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Snowy Egret in FlightA snowy egret in flight in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Some lovely sunsets can also be found in the refuge. I like the colors of the sky reflected in the water.

Sunset on Chincoteague Wetlands 1Sunset on wetlands in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Bird over golden watersA bird flies over golden waters at sunset in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Great egrets can also be found in the refuge. Great egrets are generally larger than snowy egrets and they have black feet.

Great Egret ProfileProfile of a great egret in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Some of the birds seem to be very comfortable around the ponies. The birds will even ride on the backs of the ponies.

Bird Riding a Pony 1A bird rides on the back of a pony in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Bird Riding a Pony 2A bird rides on the back of a pony in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

A Flock of Snowy EgretsA flock of snowy egrets in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Egret in the WetlandsAn egret in the wetlands in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

This American white ibis looks like a goofy bird to me. It's almost as if it were wearing a mask.

American White IbisAn American white ibis in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Chasing AwayTwo snowy egrets in motion in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

I hope you enjoyed my photos. I enjoyed taking them.