Was so happy when I was awarded a ribbon for best photography in show, it was a complete surprise. I also won 2 childrens choice awards. Festivals are more exhaustng then eco-tours. Lots of work, huge expense with printing and frames. I almost didn't participate this year. I'm glad that I did. I have three more commissions coming up, and then I will be back on the water. I wanted to start the season early this year, but the starter on my engine failed and is in the process of being repaired. We have had stronger winds than usual early this season too - so even if my boat was in the water, I wouldn't be able to offer many tours. We can't do charter boat tours when the winds are this strong. Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer - it's not too far off!

What a great time I had at this event. Love the enthusiasm. What a great introduction, and the applause. You made me feel like a rock star. Thank you studnets, educators and parents. You were all so amazing, it was an honor. 

Noah Strycker is a rock star in the birding community and I got to meet him and he signed my copy of his book. He traveled to 41 countries in 2015 with a backpack and binoculars. Noah became the first person to see more than half the world’s 10,000 species of birds in one year.

He bought a series of one-way tickets, he traveled across forty-one countries and all seven continents, eventually spotting 6,042 species, that's the biggest birding year on record.

For those of us who are tethered to our careers - we can read his book and live vicariously through him and follow his adventure of a lifetime!

Capt. Debbie

I also won Childrens Choice Awards at a recent festival. They were sweet awards because I could tell the children had really put a lot of thought into who they wanted to give their awards too. 

The past couple of months have been filled with speaking engagements. The ODU campus was beautiful!

In addition to purchasing my products on line, they can also be viewed and or purchased at several merchants on Chincoteague Island. My headquarters is at Island Time Resortwear on Maddox Blvd in the old Decoy Museum. My office is on the left side of the store in the old Decoy Carvers station. I am happy to meet my customers there over a cup of coffee. They play great music in the store and sell an array of items for the beach. I work there when I am not out in the field conducting wildlife tours. You can view the store on facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/IslandTimeGallery

Another merchant that sells my procuct includes Blue Crab Treasures on Main Street Downtown. Open year round the store is right across from the Misty statue and Robert Reed Memorial Park. The store sells many eclectic art pieces, hand made items, and gifts. You can view this store on facebook through the attached link:

https://www.facebook.com/BlueCrabTreasures

H & H Pharmacy and Gifts on Maddox Blvd, located at the first intesection, carry a series of my images also. This store is open year round to serve you. They have a pharmacy, gifts, cards, books, games and many other interesting curiosities. Attached is the link to this merchant:

https://www.facebook.com/HandHPharmacy1928

To be announced are my art shows and gallery exhibits!

The Eastern Shore Birding & Wildlife Festival based in Cape Charles, Virginia The Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience the peak of fall bird migration and the wonders of wildlife in a pristine coastal environment.

Join us for a day or for all four days. Bring the entire family or come alone and mingle with other birders. I will be lead guide at Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve Friday, October 7th, 2016 from 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM, the cost is $18 per person. Register on the ESVA Birding Festival website, link provided below.

Directions: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/natural-area-preserves/magothybay

Wear sunscreen and insect repellant.

For more information about the festival: http://www.esvabirdingfestival.com/