Occupying the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, the refuge is one of a chain of barrier islands along the Atlantic coast. Among species of migratory birds on the refuge are snow geese, glossy ibises, great blue herons, sanderlings, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and others. Several paved trails traverse the refuge; the 3.2-mile wildlife loop is open to walkers and bicyclists all day and to cars after 3pm until dusk. Open daily 5am-10pm, May-September; 6am-8pm in April & October; 6am-6pm, the rest of the year.