The Marine Science Consortium

...hands-on, feet-wet education

Road Scholar Program # 2019

During the migratory season, millions of birds along the Atlantic Flyway "funnel" through this small area along Virginia’s Eastern Shore. More than 400 species have been recorded on these islands. Explore the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge's restricted back country on Chincoteague and Assateague Island. Keep an eye out for some wild ponies! Gain access to restricted Wallops Island to bird in this unspoiled environment maintained by NASA. Examine geological and environmental factors that influence birds and their habitats. Learn identification methods using field markings, vocalizations, and behavior patterns. Other highlights include a study cruise aboard MSC’s research vessel and an interpretive dune and beaches walk of Delmarva.

Day 1

 3:00 - 5:00 pm Check in with Road Scholar Coordinator at MSC
 5:00 - 5:45 pm Group welcome and schedule overview
 6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner in the Dining Hall
 6:45 - 8:30 pm Intro to Birding/ Field books

Day 2
7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast in MSC's Cafeteria
9:00 -11:00pm CNWR
  11:50 am Lunch on Chincoteague
  1:00 pm Birding on Service Road
6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner in the Dining Hall
  6:45 pm Evening Lecture

Day 3
7:00 - 8:30 am Depart for Snow Hill - Tail gate Breakfast
  8:30 am Bird Banding
  12:00pm Lunch Out
1:30 - 3:30 pm Ward Musuem of Wildfowl Art
6:00 - 6:45 pm Dinner in the Dining Hall
7:00 - 8:30 pm Evening Lecture

Day 4
7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast in the Dining Hall
  8:45 am Birding Boat Trip
12:00-1:00pm Lunch in the Dining Hall
  1:30 pm *** FREE AFTERNOON ***
5:30- 6:30 pm Dinner in MSC's Cafeteria
7:00 - 8:30 pm Evening Speaker

Day 5
  6:30 am Depart for Birding at Pocomoke River- Tailgate Breakfast
7:30 – 12:00pm Birding at Pocomoke River State Park
12:00-1:00pm Lunch on Chincoteague
1:00 - 4:00 pm Dune Systemm Fieldtrip: Wallops Island
   5:15 pm Bus Departs from MSC for Dinner on Chincoteague
  7:00 pm Evening Entertainment

Day 6
7:30 - 8:30 AM Breakfast in the Dining Hall
8:30-11:30 AM Banding Demonstration or Wildlife Art Demonstration
12:00-1:00PM Lunch in the Dining Hall
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