Randy Birch told us a story during our Chincoteague Island Adventures boat tour. This story contradicts the one at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. He said that when Buckalew, the first fish and wildlife manager, was shot it didn’t happen the way they said. He told how his grandfather and a few other guys were out illegally duck hunting before the season. They saw Buckalew coming and one of them fired off some buckshot which severely injured Buckalew. He said his grandpa helped get Buckalew back to town. When it came time for the trial Randy’s grandfather’s role in the events was left out. This was Buckalew’s way of saying thank you to Randy’s grandfather for having saved his life. I love local stories like this. Randy had more.
Cindy Faith, who we did a history walk with told us a few stories too. She is a terrific guide and very knowledgeable.
The cages to save the baby plovers from predation are an excellent invention. We need more of these on other beaches where they nest.
