Birding Trips
Tuesday November 9, 2010 Trips
North Pond Birding (A)
Beginning birders are welcome on this walk along the south and north dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. North Pond Wildlife Trail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Ron Marchand.
South Pond Birding (A)
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. Moderate. Cost $25. 7:30-11 am. John and Paula Wright.
Pocosin Lakes Refuge Birding (New)
Meet at the shop compound and learn about the refuge before boarding a van for Pungo Lake and nearby impoundments, fields, and woods, for viewing Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, ducks, shorebirds, passerines, and raptors, as well as possible sighting of Red Wolves, American Black Bear, and other wildlife. Pungo Unit Shop Compound. Easy. Cost $20. 9 am-Noon, Ernie Marshall.
Wednesday November 10, 2010 Trips
South Pond Beginning Birding (A)
This program designed for beginning birders includes a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. Moderate. Cost $25. 7:30-11 am. Lee Yoder.
Corolla Birding
Currituck Heritage Park and the beach lighthouse are among the best “migrant traps” on the Outer Banks. Late long distance songbirds and early sparrows are possible. Wetland boardwalks produce Marsh Wrens, Virginia Rails and other specialties. Tidal Flats may yield Willets, yellowlegs and other shorebirds. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Moderate. Cost $20. 8-11 am. Charles Foster.
Cape Hatteras Birding (A)
The Point, the Salt Pond and adjacent flats, dunes and wetlands are historically important to both anglers and birders. Expect to see not only Brown Pelicans, gulls, terns, seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, and waders, but also a variety of raptors
and passerines. Northern Gannets and an assortment of grebes and sparrows are likely. Migrant grassland species such as American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting are also possible. The trip will be in leader-driven beach vehicles with some walking into offroad areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25. 8-11:30 am. Bunny Doolittle, John Wright.
Mattamuskeet Refuge Birding (A)
Meet at the Mattamuskeet Lodge and learn about the refuge before departing for
the Causeway, Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive to view thousands of waterfowl as well as shorebirds, waders and raptors. Explore other parts of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge as time allows. Mattamuskeet Lodge. Moderate. Cost $20. 8 am-Noon. Ernie Marshall.
Birding 101 (A)
Classroom discussion and activities will be combined with a field exercise to provide participants with techniques to locate, observe and identify birds. The class will end with a short bird walk to locate and identify birds in their natural habitat. Designed for the beginning birder, others may learn methods to expand their birding skills. Jockey’s Ridge Visitor Center Auditorium. Easy. Cost $20. 9-11 am. Lena Gallitano.
South Pond Beginning Birding (B)
This program designed for beginning birders includes a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. Moderate. Cost $25. 1-4:30 pm. Ricky Davis.
Marsh Gameland and Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island Birding (New)
Take the short loop gameland walking trail that leads to the impoundment and observation decks and spend an hour looking over the black needlerush marsh, tidal creeks, and 40-acre waterfowl impoundment in search of rails, shorebirds, and wintering waterfowl. Then drive to the nearby Welcome Center and head for the sound via the boardwalk to look for wintering sparrows and riparian wildlife. Gameland parking area (Roanoke Island). Easy. Cost $20. 1:30-4 pm. Peggy
Eubank.
Owl Prowl (A)
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. Cost $25. 4:30-7:30 pm. Brian Bockhahn.
Thursday November 11, 2010 Trips
Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Palmetto-Peartree Preserve (A)
Travel to the “P-3” where several colonies of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are being studied. Most of the sites are visible from the network of unpaved roads. Also look for six other species of woodpeckers and various songbirds that can be found in this area; 4x4 useful. Service station at west end of Alligator River Bridge. Cost $20. 6-11 am. John Hammond.
Alligator River Refuge Birding (A)
Explore Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge’s extensive farm fields for raptors
such as Bald Eagles, as well as for birds in grassland and roadside vegetation. Butterflies possible if weather is appropriate. Red Wolf and Black Bear sightings possible. Creef Cut parking area. Moderate. Cost $20. 7:30-10:30 am. Jay Ross.
North Pond Duck Identification
Bird the north and south dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. This trip focuses on duck identification. North Pond Trail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Susan Campbell.
Roanoke Island Birding (A)
Explore Roanoke Island birding hotspots including the historic Elizabethan Gardens and its collection of priceless statuary, interesting plants and butterflies (weather permitting). Lots of photo opportunities. Find birds that are year-round residents or late fall migrants. Possibilities include a wide assortment of warblers, vireos, wrens, orioles and sparrows. Elizabethan Gardens parking area. Cost $20. 7:30-11:30 am. Jeff Lewis.
Mackay Island Refuge Birding
Take a wildlife walk and drive on Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge’s impoundment dike to view waterfowl, marsh birds, wading birds, some songbirds and hopefully, a pair of Bald Eagles. Waterfowl prospects include Snow Geese, Green- and Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Wood Ducks and American Widgeon. Refuge marshes also provide cover for a variety of rails and bitterns. Reaching the Refuge includes a 45-minute ride on the Currituck ferry. Call 1-800-BYFERRY to confirm ferry schedules. Mackay Island Refuge office entrance parking lot. Moderate. Cost $20. 12:30-3:30 pm. David Hughes.
South Pond Beginning Birding (C)
This program designed for beginning birders includes a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. Moderate. Cost $25. 1-4:30 pm. Ricky Davis.
Friday November 12, 2010 Trips
Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Palmetto-Peartree Preserve (B)
Travel to the “P-3” where several colonies of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers are being studied. Most of the sites are visible from the network of unpaved roads. Also look for six other species of woodpeckers and various songbirds that can be found in this area; 4x4 useful. Service station at west end of Alligator River Bridge. Cost $20. 6-11 am. John Hammond.
Pea Island ‘Duck Hunt’ Birding
Ever wondered what a duck hunt is like? Come experience the hunt of a lifetime on this trip. Participants will learn about decoys and ducks and have the opportunity to sit in a blind on this simulated duck hunt in the refuge photography blind. Decoys will be placed, calls will be used and the anticipation of ducks coming to the decoys will be experienced by all! Trip will start promptly to minimize disturbance to the birds. Bring cameras, no guns. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20. 6:30-10 am. Brian Van Druten, refuge staff.
North Pond Birding (B)
Beginning birders are welcome on this walk along the south and north dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. North Pond Wildlife Trail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Ricky Davis.
South Pond Birding for Experienced Birders
This is a rare opportunity to bird an area on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Bring your own scope for this trip designed for experienced birders. Cost $25. 7:30-11 am. Kent Fiala.
Roanoke Island Birding (B)
Explore Roanoke Island birding hotspots including the historic Elizabethan Gardens and its collection of priceless statuary, interesting plants and butterflies (weather permitting). Lots of photo opportunities. Find birds that are year-round residents or late fall migrants. Possibilities include a wide assortment of warblers, vireos, wrens, orioles and sparrows. Elizabethan Gardens parking area. Cost $20. 7:30-11:30 am. Jeff Lewis.
Cape Hatteras Birding (B)
The Point, the Salt Pond and adjacent flats, dunes and wetlands are historically important to both anglers and birders. Expect to see not only Brown Pelicans, gulls, terns, seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, and waders, but also a variety of raptors
and passerines. Northern Gannets and an assortment of grebes and sparrows are likely. Migrant grassland species such as American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting are also possible. The trip will be in leader-driven beach vehicles with some walking into offroad areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25. 8-11:30 am. Bunny Doolittle, John Wright, Charles Foster, Taylor Piephoff, Susan Campbell.
Mattamuskeet Refuge Birding (B)
Meet at the Mattamuskeet Lodge and learn about the refuge before departing for
the Causeway, Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive to view thousands of waterfowl as well as shorebirds, waders and raptors. Explore other parts of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge as time allows. Mattamuskeet Lodge. Moderate. Cost $20. 8 am-Noon. Ernie Marshall.
Ocracoke Island Birding
Explore this wonderful 15-mile-long barrier island, which is almost entirely Cape
Hatteras National Seashore. Target birds are Marbled Godwits, Piping Plover, Red Knots, White Ibis, Common Moorhen, Hooded Mergansers, and hopefully, spectacular views of Northern Gannets feeding just off shore. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 am to line up for 7 am ferry. Look for waterfowl, gulls and pelicans during the 45-minute ferry crossing to Ocracoke. Stops include pine woods, marshes, the beach and South Point. Will return in time for the 3 pm ferry back to Hatteras. Bring a lunch and beverages. 4x4 vehicle desirable, not required. Ocracoke Campground (NPS) parking lot. Cost $35. 8 am-2 pm. Peter
Vankevich.
Pelican Island Safari (Now an hour longer!) (A)
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 including 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. Moderate to rigorous. Cost $30. 9 am-Noon. Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn.
Birding North Pond by Tram (New) (Family Friendly)
For those who always wanted to explore the far side of North Pond, but were not
able to go there, this new WOW trip is for you. Have a seat and save your feet! Climb aboard the refuge open-air tram and slowly transported trip around the North Pond at Pea Island. From the comfort of a seat, hear and see the wildlife and observe some spots not normally visited on this four-mile service road. Please be prepared for a variety of temperatures and the possibility of biting insects on this tour. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 10 am-Noon. Neal Moore, Ron Marchand.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Birding
Look for songbirds around the lighthouse and on wooded trails, and for waterbirds from the boardwalk by the ponds. Bodie Island Lighthouse Parking Lot (North end, near restroom). Moderate. Cost $20. 1-4:30 pm. Jeff Pippen.
Oregon Inlet Marsh Birding (A)
Check the inlet’s beach and flats for shorebirds. Then 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. Leader Fussell is author of “A Birder’s Guide to Coastal North Carolina.” Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (South end of left-most parking area). Strenuous. Cost $25. 1-4:30 pm. John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala.
Hummingbird Banding (Family Friendly) (A)
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. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 2-4 pm. Susan Campbell.
Saturday November 13, 2010 Trips
Marsh Birds of Bodie Island
Work the edges of Bodie Island’s extensive marshes in search of rails, bitterns, marsh sparrows and wrens. After birding the marshes, experience the diversity of habitats in the Bodie Island area by spending an hour on nearby Coquina Beach watching for migrating scoters, loon, seabirds, and possible marine mammals. Footwear appropriate for walking in calf-deep water is recommended. Bodie Island Lighthouse Parking Lot (North end, near restroom). Strenuous. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Steve Shultz.
South Pond and Beach Birding
This is a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. First hour will be spent ocean-watching and searching for/identifying ocean and beach birds. The next 2.5 hours 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. Moderate. Cost $25. 7:30-11 am. Jeff Pippen.
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. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $20. 7:30-11:30 am. Ricky Davis.
Cape Hatteras Birding (C)
The Point, the Salt Pond and adjacent flats, dunes and wetlands are historically important to both anglers and birders. Expect to see not only Brown Pelicans, gulls, terns, seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, and waders, but also a variety of raptors
and passerines. Northern Gannets and an assortment of grebes and sparrows are likely. Migrant grassland species such as American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting are also possible. The trip will be in leader-driven beach vehicles with some walking into offroad areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25. 8-11:30 am. Bunny Doolittle, John Wright, Charles Foster, Taylor Piephoff.
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 the 7 am ferry. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island). Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. 8 am-1 pm. Peter Vankevich.
Birding 101 (B)
Classroom discussion and activities will be combined with a field exercise to provide participants with techniques to locate, observe and identify birds. The class will end with a short bird walk to locate and identify birds in their natural habitat. Designed for the beginning birder, others may learn methods to expand their birding skills. Jockey’s Ridge Visitor Center Auditorium. Easy. Cost $20. 9-11 am. Lena Gallitano.
Pelican Island Safari (Now an hour longer!) (B)
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 including 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. Moderate to rigorous. Cost $30. 9 am-Noon. Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn.
Bodie Island Lighthouse and Beach Birding (New)
Look for songbirds around the lighthouse and on wooded trails and for waterbirds from the boardwalk by the ponds. Then experience the diversity of the island’s habitats by spending an hour on nearby Coquina beach watching for migrating scoters, loons, seabirds, and possible marine mammals. Bodie Island Lighthouse Parking Lot (North end, near restroom). Moderate. Cost $20. 1-4:30 pm. Steve
Shultz.
South Pond Birding (B)
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. Moderate. Cost $25. 1-4:30 pm. Jay Ross.
Oregon Inlet Marsh Birding (B)
Check the inlet’s beach and flats for shorebirds. Then 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. Leader Fussell is author of “A Birder’s Guide to Coastal North Carolina.” Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (South end of left-most parking area). Strenuous. Cost $25. 1-5 pm. John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala.
Hummingbird Banding (Family Friendly) (B)
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. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 2-4 pm. Susan Campbell.
Owl Prowl (B)
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. Cost $25. 4:30-7:30 pm. Brian Bockhahn.
Sunday November 14, 2010 Trips
Possible traffic delays related to the running of the obx marathon.
Alligator River Refuge Birding (B)
Explore Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge’s extensive farm fields for raptors
such as Bald Eagles, as well as for birds in grassland and roadside vegetation. Butterflies possible if weather is appropriate. Red Wolf and Black Bear sightings possible. Creef Cut parking area. Moderate. Cost $20. 7:30-10:30 am. Jeff Lewis.
North Pond Birding (C)
Beginning birders are welcome on this walk along the south and north dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. North Pond Wildlife Trail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Lee Yoder.
Birding for Eagles (New)
Due to the presence of catfish ponds, Bald Eagles are usually abundant in this area near Plymouth. View the eagles and possibly other raptors from cars while driving along dirt roads in the pond area. No walking is involved, but there will be stops to observe the birds through scopes. This trip should appeal to photographers with long lenses. Vernon James Research Station. Easy. Cost $10. 9-10:30 am. Peggy Eubank.
