New Life at Sunrise: A Wild Encounter on Assateague Island

There’s something about the hush of dawn that makes you feel like the only person on earth. On this particular morning in May, that quiet had wrapped itself around Assateague Island like a soft blanket. The salt air was cool, the sky still streaked with the last hints of night, and the marshes near the campsite glistened faintly with dew. I had no grand plan—just my camera and the hope of catching the early light over the Atlantic.

Assateague, for those who’ve never been, is a barrier island that straddles the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. It's famous for its wild horses—descendants of colonial stock that have adapted over generations to the island’s windswept grasses, sandy shores, and marshy inlets. It's one of those places that feels raw and untouched, like stepping into a slower, quieter world.

As I stepped out of my tent that morning, I noticed fresh tracks in the sand—evidence that wildlife had passed through while I slept. Curiosity got the better of me, and I began to follow them, letting the trail guide me away from the campsite and toward a quiet, marshy stretch of land. There was no path, just soft ground and thick grasses. I moved slowly, watching each step to avoid sinking into the mud, the stillness of the early morning wrapping around me like a secret.

At first, just movement—subtle, gentle. Then, as the sun broke the horizon and the landscape lit with gold, I realized what I was seeing: a mare, standing tall but calm, and at her side, a newborn foal.

It was unmistakable. The foal's coat was still fluffy and thin, its legs slightly too long for its body, wobbling with each step. Its head rested briefly against its mother's flank as if gathering courage. The mare nuzzled it gently, then turned her head to watch the horizon.

I froze—not in fear, but in awe. This wasn't a scene I could have planned for or predicted. This was a moment granted.

I slowly raised my camera and began to shoot, careful not to disturb the pair. The composition was everything I could have asked for: the morning light glowing off the marsh grasses, the ocean breeze lightly ruffling their manes, and this perfect reflection of spring renewal standing in a pool of quiet water and golden light.

They stayed close together, the foal exploring a few careful steps but never straying far. I must have stayed there watching for nearly half an hour, completely absorbed. No other hikers. No noise. Just the calls of distant shorebirds and the soft rustling of reeds.

Eventually, the pair turned away and began to walk slowly deeper into the marsh, blending into the tall grasses like shadows melting into light.

As I reviewed my photos later that day, I realized I’d captured something more than a scenic shot. I had documented a rare and sacred moment of wild birth, of instinct and connection, of nature unfolding on its own time.

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If You Go: Assateague Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal. In spring (April–May), you may spot foals born to the wild herd. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical.

• Where to Go: For wildlife watching, explore the marsh trails near the Maryland District or Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the Virginia side.  I prefer the Maryland side.  The horses are free to roam wild on the island whereas on the Virginia side, they are penned and usually not near any roads or trails.

• Bring: Binoculars, a telephoto lens if you’re photographing wildlife, and waterproof footwear for marshy terrain. I used a 200-500 mm lens for this.

• Respect the Wildlife: Stay at least 40 feet away from wild horses. These are feral animals, and close contact is dangerous—for you and for them.

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The Photo

This image, titled “Newborn Foal With Mom at Assateague,” is now one of my favorites. It’s available as a fine art print in several formats in my Etsy shop, and every time I see it, it brings me back to that still, quiet moment of grace in the marsh.

Assateague has given me many special mornings, but this one—this sunrise of new life—will stay with me forever.