Created 2-Sep-23
Modified 2-Sep-23
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24 photos
In early August, 2023 I spent a clear, sunny, windless morning of photography with Erik Moore of Moore To See Photo Expeditions in Virginia Beach.
After visiting the backwaters of the North Landing River, we motored south on glassy waters into Currituck Sound at the VA-NC border to photograph some big Live Oaks covered in Spanish Moss at Freshman's Island in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
As we approached the island, we found this harem of wild horses feeding on river grasses. These animals are descended from Spanish Colonial Mustangs, a rare breed brought over by Spanish explorers in the 1600s. The Outer Banks of NC were a graveyard for ships, so these horses' ancestors survived shipwrecks and made a life in the tough maritime forest ecosystem of the area. Current population is estimated at around 100 individuals, so finding them here was very special.
Initially, they were very wary of us but as we drifted quietly along the shoreline in the boat, they relaxed a bit and let us get very close. We spent a very quiet hour in communion with these unique and beautiful creatures - grateful for the opportunity.
After visiting the backwaters of the North Landing River, we motored south on glassy waters into Currituck Sound at the VA-NC border to photograph some big Live Oaks covered in Spanish Moss at Freshman's Island in Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
As we approached the island, we found this harem of wild horses feeding on river grasses. These animals are descended from Spanish Colonial Mustangs, a rare breed brought over by Spanish explorers in the 1600s. The Outer Banks of NC were a graveyard for ships, so these horses' ancestors survived shipwrecks and made a life in the tough maritime forest ecosystem of the area. Current population is estimated at around 100 individuals, so finding them here was very special.
Initially, they were very wary of us but as we drifted quietly along the shoreline in the boat, they relaxed a bit and let us get very close. We spent a very quiet hour in communion with these unique and beautiful creatures - grateful for the opportunity.
All images © Christopher P. Migliaccio
