Wildlife Guide & Naturalist

Contracted for programs, offering expert guidance through Eastern Shore barrier island flora and fauna. Capt. Debbie brings 35 years experience studying wildlife communities on the Delmarva Peninsula. You'll have a great time, and bring home a better understanding of the ESVA outdoors as a bonus.

Charter Boat Master Captain

Chincoteague Nature Encounters is based at Curtis Merritt Harbor on Chincoteague, VA. Eco tours aboard the Seehorse run April-October, by appointment. Catering to amateur and professional photographers, and those who like to use scopes/binoculars - all are welcome! Capt. Debbie holds a Master Captains license to pilot a 50 ton vessel.

Wildlife & Wild Horses Encounters & Experiences

Birding opportunities are fantastic aboard the Chincoteague Nature Encounters vessel, and we also see wild horses. Sometimes we encounter stallions establishing pecking order and challenging one another for mares. My large and comfortable pontoon boat offers opportunities to linger around and watch wildlife behavior. Eleven years of photo-journals and study have informed me to interpret Chincoteague Pony and wild horse behavior.

Award Winning Wildlife Photographer

Capt. Debbie's photography has been featured in newspapers throughout the Eastern Shore and Delmarva Peninsula.

Award Winning Photographer Among Peers, for the State of Virginia

Awards for images highlighting wildlife educators on the Eastern Shore. My work is sold in several stores along the Eastern Shore and featured in numerous regional art galleries.

Maryland Entomological Society

Member of the Maryland Entomological Society, 1971. Offering programs discussing the wonders of Eastern Shore insects.

Lifetime Member of The American Society of Mammalogists

The American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) was established in 1919 for the purpose of promoting interest in the study of mammals. Seeks to make information about mammals accessible to grades K-12 in formal education settings and to everyone in informal settings. Fostering outreach projects to raise awareness of mammals and encourage conservation.

WET Certified

Professionally trained to teach action-oriented education, which enables children to understand and value water, ensuring a sustainable future. Certified for 15 years.

Published Writer: Books, Blogs, Magazines, Newsletters and Publications

Along with published photography, specialties include interpretive writing to explain wildlife behavior, and identify wildlife. Why does the Great Egret use it's middle toe to scratch it's head? To read my official blog entries go to: https://captaindebbieritter.wordpress.com/

Member of the National Association of Charterboat Operators

The premiere Association that represents charter boat interests of professional charter boat operator's bottom line and to provide a strong voice in Washington, DC.

Chincoteague Island Charter Boat Association Member

A non profit organization serving the Chincoteague area Charterboat Captains working on the waters of Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore on the Atlantic ocean

Proud Member and Supporter of the Virginia Master Naturalist

A statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

Certified Interpretive Guide, National Association for Interpretation

Professionally trained, vetted and certified to provide professional interpretation and narratives before large groups. Second certification.