Hi all,

I am looking for suggestions on places to photograph some wildlife and/or scenics near the Virginia Beach area. My wife is dragging me and the kids down there over July 4th week. I personally don't care for the beach, so I have negotiated a couple days to myself for photography.

So far I see there is a "Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge", that looks interesting. Has anyone been there and do you have any suggestions or recommendations? I am particularly interested in wetland birds.

Any other sites nearby? I need places within an hour away from the resort areas at most. I figure I can get away with half a day or so at a time...

Am I nuts for even thinking about trekking back through a wildlife refuge in the beginning of July? Will I get eaten alive by bugs?

Me first..

Oh s^&** no picts

As I recall there are plenty of marshes around there. You can always drive a bit north to Chesapeake Bay where there will be lots of places to shoot. While some people will tell you to use DEET sparingly, 100% DEET which is available in small bottles will keep most things off of you. Please shower or swim to take it off as soon as you don’t need it on.

Morris

Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk, VA. About 40 minutes from the oceanfront and right next to Norfolk International Airport.

ALOT of wildlife and ALOT of nature photography available at this place. It's the only place I go to.

$7 per person to get in and open from 9am to 7pm Monday-Sunday.

No bugs either.

No wetlands so to speak at the Botanical garden though...but some Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, Egrets, Quackers...etc. You may even get lucky and one or two of the Eagles will be around. Some Red-tailed Hawks and Coopers Hawks also...just have to find them.

Fisherman Island NWR is right off of the Ches. Bay Bridge Tunnel, on the opposite end from Va. Beach. An hour and a half drive will get you to the Outer Banks.
Herb

Back Bay is HUGE. My dad and I used to fish there in the late '60s. I wouldn't try getting around there now, (in a boat), without a guide. I've never been to the wildlife refuge. Sandbridge may be the way to go - some of the roads are right next to the water. Lots and lots of wildlife though. Dismal swamp may be close enough, although I've never been there with my camera. Google the BBNWR, Dismal Swamp, and NBG.If you decide to go to the Outer Banks, let me know - I know a really sweet spot.
Ron

Wow, lots of great suggestions already. I guess the Outer Banks isn't out of the question. I'll just need to get up early.

Norfolk Botanical sounds good. I'll look into that one.

And thanks for the DEET suggestion Morris.
Thanks everyone. Keep em comin.

Mt. Trashmore (I live right around that area) They will have fireworks on the 4th of July. Also Harbor Fest is a must (Given that it started today) I will post some pictures that if you want Just send me a message or reply