Welcome to Eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks. Each year millions of visitors flock to the area to enjoy its beaches, attractions and laid back atmosphere. The ultimate attraction is the area’s diversity of wildlife, natural history and scenic views.

Dare County alone has more than a quarter of a million acres of property in conservation – as compared to just 16,000 acres available for development. Dare, Currituck, Tyrell and Hyde counties boast a diverse and fascinating array of wildlife to view and waterways to paddle. In addition to a wealth of marine life, Eastern North Carolina is home to black bears, alligators, red wolves, deer and hundreds of species of birds. The waterways invite kayakers and canoeists to glide through the back waters, the sounds and even the ocean. And natural history attractions draw both young and old who want to know more about the place where the first English settlements were born. Year ‘round, there are nature programs offered by state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits.

Annually in November, all the stops are pulled out for folks who come from across the country to participate in the Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival. The six day event celebrates the natural wonders of the area and offers many opportunities to explore and discover the richness of the region’s environment.

Participants, for a modest cost, can select from such varied experiences as:

• Venturing into areas with combined bird lists of nearly 400 species.
  
• Learning from experts how to shoot photographs that capture the unique beauty of the region.
  
• Traveling to historic landmarks like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.
  
• Visiting North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island, the hottest spot for fall birding in North Carolina - or even visit South Pond which is usually closed to visitors.
  
• Climbing the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse and touring the Keepers House which is usually closed to the public.
  
• Taking a ferry to the pirate Blackbeard's hang-out on Ocracoke Island to enjoy the quaint fishing village and check out the birds.
  
• Paddling the backwaters of the area or four-wheeling the area north of Corolla.
  
• Visiting the ancient maritime forests of Buxton Woods and Nags Head Woods for a look at these rare ecosystems.
  
• Venturing into Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge at night in search of bear and other wildlife.
  
• Absorbing the waterways' natural beauty during a sunrise or sunset kayak tour.
  
• Wading in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows and wrens at Oregon Inlet.
  
• Visiting an art gallery to see how artists interpret the environment and wildlife.
  
• Exploring a Ghost Town on Portsmouth Island.
  
• Heading for the blue waters of the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras to search for pelagic birds.
  
• Experiencing a Red Wolf Howling where the nearly extinct animal is now fighting its way back.