Saturday November 7, 2009 Trips
South Pond and Beach Birding
This is a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge area usually closed to visitors. First hour will be spent ocean-watching and searching for/identifying ocean and beach birds. The next 2.5 hrs. will be spent birding the impoundment for waterfowl and looking for songbirds and raptors along the dikes and over the marsh. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. 7:30 to 11 am. Moderate. Cost $25. Jeff Pippen
Marsh Birds of Bodie Island
Work the edges of Bodie Island’s extensive marshes in search of rails, bitterns, marsh sparrows and wrens. Walking in calf-deep water is possible. Bodie Island Lighthouse Parking Lot (North end, near restroom). 7:30 to 11 am. Strenuous. Cost $20. Steve Shultz
Old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station Birding
Look for land birds around the historic old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station. Walk sand flats to find terns, shorebirds, and possible Piping Plover. Explore the rock jetty for possible early Purple Sandpiper and view the inlet for waterfowl. Check the ocean for seabirds. Oregon Inlet Bridge south parking lot. 7:30 to 11:30 am. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $20. Ricky Davis
Introduction to Digital Nature Photography for Children - Trail (NEW!)
This new program at North Pond Trail on Pea Island will give children ten and older a chance to learn basic digital nature photography while exploring and photographing the diverse scenery, birds and flora. Led by a professional nature photographer, participants will be introduced to the digital camera including basic techniques and tips on how to see the nature around them through the camera’s eye. A limited number of Nikon Coolpix P80 cameras will be available. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. 8 to 10 am. Cost $20; each paying adult may bring one or two children for free. Lori A. Cash
Cape Hatteras Birding
The Point, the Salt Pond and adjacent flats, dunes and wetlands are important areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore for viewing a wide variety of birds. Expect to see not only gulls, terns, seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, and waders, but also a variety of raptors and passerines. Brown Pelicans are sure to be seen. Northern Gannets, multiple species of grebes and an assortment of sparrows are likely. Migrant grassland species such as American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting are also possible. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. 8 to 11:30 am. Moderate to strenuous (some walking in deep sand). Cost $25. Eric Dean, Taylor Piephoff, Ben Watkins
Historic Portsmouth Island Village Exploration
Explore the natural and cultural history of Portsmouth Island village, established by NC’s Colonial Assembly in 1753 and maintained by the National Park Service since 1976. Although the last resident left in 1971, the village and its remaining buildings, on the National Register of Historic Places, are a living testimonial to a once-thriving and vibrant coastal community. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 am to line up for 7 am ferry. Meet guide at Ocracoke Ferry Terminal in village of Ocracoke on the southwest end of the island to board chartered vessel to Portsmouth Island. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island). 8 am to 1 pm. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. Dave Frum, Portsmouth Village Caretaker
Birding on Portsmouth Island
Bird the abandoned village on Portsmouth Island, now part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and maintained by the National Park Service. A chartered vessel will transport participants from Ocracoke to the soundside of the island. There is a large sand flat that, depending on conditions, may contain hundreds or even thousands of shorebirds, including Piping Plover. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 am to line up for 7 am ferry. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal in the village of Ocracoke on the southwest end of the island. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island). 8 am to 1 pm. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. Peter Vankevich
Birding 101 (NEW!)
Using a combination of classroom discussion and outside observation, participants will learn techniques to locate, observe and identify birds. Designed for the beginning birder, others may learn methods to expand their birding skills as well. Jockey’s Ridge Visitor Center Auditorium. 9 to 11 am. Cost $20. Lena Gallitano
Whalebone Junction Marsh Paddle
Paddle through a mixture of natural creeks and man-made canals dug by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression in an attempt to control mosquitoes. See assorted herons, as well as oystercatchers, ducks, geese and kingfishers. Guided by an experienced naturalist, learn the history and importance of this popular paddling area. Nags Head Causeway –pink building. 9 am to noon. Moderate. Cost: $35. Kitty Hawk Kites
“Pelican Island” Safari
Led by ninth-generation captain Stuart Wescott, ride on a 53-foot pontoon boat from Wanchese Harbor through Old House Channel to Pelican Island, a dredge spoil island near Oregon Inlet that is home to a colonial waterbird and pelican nesting area. Disembark and walk the island with Brian Bockhahn, birder and naturalist. Wander among pelican nests and learn about their breeding biology. Walk to the top of the dune for a view of other island inhabitants such as birds, mammals and butterflies. Weather permitting, capture and tag Monarch butterflies as they pause to gather nectar from blooming goldenrod on their migration south to Mexico. Restroom onboard. Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. 9:30 to 11:30 am. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $30. Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn
Tracking Wildlife on Creef Cut Trail (NEW!)
Clues are everywhere but what does the evidence tell us? Can you figure out what wildlife are using this trail? After learning about what the animals have left behind on the trail, you can make a cast of a track to take home. This leisurely stroll and activity is designed for the young and young at heart! Creef Cut parking area. 10 am to 12:30 pm. Cost $20; each paying adult may bring one or two children for free. Refuge Staff
Wild Times at Cape Hatteras Secondary School (NEW!)
Join students and faculty for this FREE event especially for children. See what’s inside an owl pellet. Build a bird nesting box. Learn about the programs the students are doing in partnership with the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and other local organizations. Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Noon to 5:30 pm. FREE. Linda Austin.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Birding
This program is ideal for beginning birders. Look for songbirds around the lighthouse and on wooded trails, and for water birds from the boardwalk by the ponds. Bodie Island Lighthouse Parking Lot (North end, near restroom).1 to 4:30 pm. Moderate. Cost $20. Steve Shultz
Oregon Inlet Marsh Birding
Wade the marsh in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows (including Sharp-tails) and Marsh and Sedge Wrens. Bring boots for walking in calf-deep water. Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (south end of left-most parking area). 1 to 5:00 pm. Strenuous. Cost $25. John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala
South Pond Birding
This is a rare opportunity to bird an area on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. The group will be birding the impoundment for waterfowl and looking for songbirds and raptors along the dikes and over the marsh. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. 1 to 4:30 pm. Moderate. Cost $25. Jay Ross
The Island Farm on Roanoke Island
Regional folklore and music by the hearth at The Island Farm, established in 1783 by Jesse Etheridge. The restored two-story framed house was originally built by his grandson, Adam Dough Etheridge, between 1845 and 1850 using hewn and pit-sawn timbers and bricks believed to be from ship’s ballast. Leisurely stroll grounds at your own pace. View grazing sheep and outbuildings preserved by Outer Banks Conservationists and envision the vibrant life of this 1850’s Roanoke Island subsistence farming and fishing family. Island Farm. 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Cost $20. Local storytellers, musicians and preservationists
Hummingbird Banding
A licensed bander will demonstrate techniques for capturing and banding hummingbirds. The program also will provide useful tips on attracting hummingbirds. The group will visit a Manteo residence that hosts numerous hummingbirds throughout the year. If possible, bring a folding chair. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island parking lot. 2 to 4 pm. Cost $20. Susan Campbell
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour
Enjoy a classic Carolina sunset over Kitty Hawk Bay. Navigate by the amber light of the harvest setting sun. Pass through tall cord grass fields and listen for the mysterious sounds of the night marsh. Dock of the Bay Marina. 3 to 5:30 pm. Moderate. Cost $35. Kitty Hawk Kites
Introduction to Digital Nature Photography for Children – Sunset (NEW!)
This new program at North Pond Trail on Pea Island will give children ten and older a chance to learn basic techniques of digital nature photography while exploring and photographing the diverse scenery, birds, flora and the sunset. Led by a professional nature photographer, participants will be introduced to the digital camera including basic techniques and tips on how to see the nature around them through the camera’s eye. A limited number of Nikon Coolpix P80 cameras will be available. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. 3:30 to sunset (5:30 pm.) Cost $20; each paying adult may bring one or two children for free. Lori A. Cash
Owl Prowl
Hoot up Barred Owls, Screech Owls, and maybe even a Great Horned Owl. Observe classic owl behavior. Program will begin with a brief presentation on natural history, distribution and identification of local species. Transportation provided. Creef Cut parking area. 4:30 to 7:30 pm. Cost $25. Brian Bockhahn
Refuge at Night
This trip is a rare opportunity to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge at night using spotlights to watch for deer, bear, birds and other wildlife. Learn about the variety of management techniques used to create a mosaic of habitats for native wildlife. Join expert naturalists for an experience not to be forgotten. Transportation provided. Creef Cut parking area. 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Cost $25. Bob Glennon, Cindy Heffley
