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Chincoteague Island, VA - [September 30, 2026] - The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass Photo Contest, held in collaboration with the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, invites amateur photographers to showcase the natural beauty, wildlife, and spirit of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge through their lenses. Twenty-three qualifying entries were submitted this year, each capturing a unique perspective of the beloved landscapes and inhabitants of the refuge. Chamber staff selected the top 5 entries based on adherence to contest guidelines and overall essence of the captured image and a panel of community leaders carefully reviewed the submissions before selecting the final winner.
The 2027 winning photograph, titled “Hooded Merganser,” was captured by Jennie Hommel of Arlington, Virginia. The stunning image was taken along Beach Road in the gut fronting the South Herd pony viewing area. On the day Jennie captured the photograph, several ducks and wading birds were gathered in the stretch of water, including a number of Hooded Mergansers.
The photograph highlights that this area of the refuge offers more than an opportunity to see Chincoteague’s famous wild ponies. It is also a wonderful place to observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife, including egrets, kingfishers, and ducks.
Jennie and her husband, Brian, have been visiting Chincoteague for more than 20 years and have developed a deep appreciation for the Island, its community, and its natural beauty. As avid bird and nature lovers, they enjoy exploring and observing wildlife, while photography gives them a way to capture and preserve memories of their adventures.
Their love of birds has also inspired them to collect bird decoys, making Chincoteague an especially meaningful destination for them as it is home to many talented and renowned decoy carvers.
The winning photograph will appear on the 2027 Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Annual Pass, which provides visitors access to explore the refuge’s maritime forests, salt marshes, wildlife, and pristine beach throughout the year. The pass is a coveted keepsake, often collected by both locals and visitors who treasure the refuge’s natural wonders.
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge thank everyone who participated in this year’s contest. Every submission reflected the incredible beauty and biodiversity that makes the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge so special.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their own adventures to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, whether through birdwatching, hiking, biking, boat cruises, or kayaking. Be sure to remember a camera, as you never know when the perfect moment will unfold before your eyes.
Learn more about the refuge at fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague and plan your visit at ChincoteagueChamber.com to discover the perfect small-town destination for your peaceful coastal vacation.
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