Birding Trips
Tuesday November 8, 2011 Trips
A "Big Day" Birding (NEW!)
Ever envied those birders who find rarities and tally 100-plus species in a whirlwind birding day? Then this trip is for you! The trip will move from the coastal plain at Lake Phelps to the Outer Banks, stopping at varied habitats and birding hotspots to try to see and hear as many species as possible in one day. The pace will be fast in order to cover the ground required. Identification by sight and sound will be quick. Bird checklists and an itinerary with map and timetables will be provided in advance. Bring food and drink for the day. Rest stops will be made as needed. Wear walking shoes/boots suitable for mostly flat terrain; no hike from the van will be lengthy or strenuous. Some wading possible, but not required. Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island. Moderate. Cost $50.
4:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Brian Bockhahn, current NC record-holder for Fall and Winter Big Days.
North Pond Birding (A)
This walk, suitable for all levels of birding, will include the south and north dikes and will be paced to give participants an opportunity to study each species found. Likely species would include nine kinds of dabbling ducks, herons and egrets, Brown Pelicans, White Ibis, migrant shorebirds, five kinds of gulls and terns, migrant warblers, seven kinds of sparrows and blackbirds. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate walking of 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Cost $20.
7:30-11 a.m., Ron Marchand.
South Pond Birding (A) - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
7:30-11 a.m., John and Paula Wright.
Meet at the shop compound and learn about the refuge before embarking to Pungo Lake and nearby impoundments, fields, and woods for viewing a diversity of swans, geese, and ducks, shorebirds, passerines, and raptors, as well as possible sighting of Red Wolves, Black Bear, and other wildlife. Pungo Unit Shop Compound. Easy. Cost $20.
9 a.m.-Noon, Kendall Smith, Wildlife Biologist.
Wednesday November 9, 2011 Trips
South Pond Birding (B) - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
7:30-11 a.m., Audrey Whitlock, Peggy Eubank.
Corolla Birding (A)
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. Trip includes walking a .75-mile loop of Currituck Heritage Park, 1.85-mile round trip on boardwalk trails, and a 1.5-mile round trip trek through a maritime forest. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Moderate. Cost $20.
8-11 a.m., Chet Clark.
Exploring Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (NEW!) - Full
Explore this new gem in the region with special access to the various habitats of the 2600-acre sanctuary. This guided walk, although focused on birdwatching, will feature all the nature and history that the sanctuary has to offer. Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary and Center. Moderate, two-mile walk on solid terrain. Cost $20.
8-11 a.m., Mark Buckler.
Cape Hatteras Birding (A) - Full
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 off-road areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25.
8-11:30 a.m., Leaders: Susan Campbell, Bunny Doolittle, Taylor Piephoff, Audrey Whitlock, and John Wright will be assisted by other members of state and local bird clubs. Not all leaders on all trips.
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 a.m.-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 a.m., Lena Gallitano.
South Pond Birding (C) - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
1-4:30 p.m., Ricky Davis.
Owl Prowl (A) - Full
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. Easy. Cost $25.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Brian Bockhahn.
Thursday November 10, 2011 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, not required. Service station at west end of Alligator River Bridge. Moderate. Cost $20.
6-11 a.m., 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 a.m., 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. Moderate walking of 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Cost $20.
7:30-11 a.m., Susan Campbell.
South Pond Birding (D)
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
7:30-11 a.m., Ron Marchand.
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. Moderate. Cost $20.
7:30-11:30 a.m., Jeff Lewis.
Corolla Birding (B)
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. Trip includes walking a .75-mile loop of Currituck Heritage Park, 1.85-mile round trip on boardwalk trails, and a 1.5-mile round trip trek through a maritime forest. Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Moderate. Cost $20.
8-11 a.m., Chet Clark.
Cape Hatteras Birding (B) - Full
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 off-road areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25.
8-11:30 a.m., Leaders: Susan Campbell, Bunny Doolittle, Taylor Piephoff, Audrey Whitlock, and John Wright will be assisted by other members of state and local bird clubs. Not all leaders on all trips.
Pelican Island Safari (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 strenuous. Cost $30.
9 a.m.-Noon, Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn.
Pocosin Lakes Refuge Birding (B)
Meet at the shop compound and learn about the refuge before embarking to Pungo Lake and nearby impoundments, fields, and woods for viewing a diversity of swans, geese, and ducks, shorebirds, passerines, and raptors, as well as possible sighting of Red Wolves, Black Bear, and other wildlife. Pungo Unit Shop Compound. Easy. Cost $20.
9 a.m.-Noon, Kendall Smith, Wildlife Biologist.
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 p.m., David Hughes.
South Pond Birding (E) - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
1-4:30 p.m., Ricky Davis.
Friday November 11, 2011 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, not required. Service station at west end of Alligator River Bridge. Moderate. Cost $20.
6-11 a.m., John Hammond.
Pea Island "Duck Hunt" and Beach Birding (NEW!)
Come experience the hunt of a lifetime on this trip. Participants will learn about decoys and waterfowl for the first two hours of the trip on this simulated duck hunt in the newly-renovated refuge photography blind. Decoys will be placed, calls used, and the anticipation of ducks coming to the decoys will be experienced by all! The remaining time will be spent glassing the ocean for migrating sea ducks and other seabirds. Bring cameras, no guns. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate. Cost $20.
6:30-10 a.m., Brian VanDruten, Refuge Staff.
North Pond Birding (B) - Full
This walk, suitable for all levels of birding, will include the south and north dikes and will be paced to give participants an opportunity to study each species found. Likely species would include nine kinds of dabbling ducks, herons and egrets, Brown Pelicans, White Ibis, migrant shorebirds, five kinds of gulls and terns, migrant warblers, seven kinds of sparrows and blackbirds. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate walking of 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Cost $20.
7:30-11 a.m., Ricky Davis.
South Pond Birding for Experienced Birders
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The walk begins on a half-mile grassy/sandy service road, accesses the north dike, and continues for another half-mile in deeper sand on the back side of the pond. Bring your own scope for this trip designed for experienced birders. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate. Cost $25.
7:30-11 a.m., Kent Fiala.
Roanoke Island Birding (B) - Full
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. Moderate. Cost $20.
7:30-11:30 a.m., Jeff Lewis.
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 off-road areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25.
8-11:30 a.m. Leaders: Susan Campbell, Bunny Doolittle, Taylor Piephoff, Audrey Whitlock, and John Wright will be assisted by other members of state and local bird clubs. Not all leaders on all trips.
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 a.m.-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 traveling from the north. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 a.m. to line up for 7 a.m. ferry. Look for waterfowl, gulls and pelicans during the 45-minute ferry crossing to Ocracoke. Stops will include pine woods, marshes, the beach and South Point. Will return in time for the 3 p.m. ferry back to Hatteras. Bring a lunch and beverages. 4x4 useful, not required. Ocracoke Ferry parking lot (NE end of Ocracoke Island). Moderate. Cost $35.
8 a.m.-2 p.m., Peter Vankevich.
Pelican Island Safari (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 strenuous. Cost $30.
9 a.m.- Noon, Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Birding - Full
This iconic Outer Banks historic landmark is surrounded by ponds, marshes, and woodlands. Its new boardwalk and the wooded trails offer a great diversity of birdlife. Look for songbirds around the lighthouse and on wooded trails, and for waterbirds from the boardwalk by the ponds. Bodie Island Lighthouse parking lot (Meet at North end, near restroom). Moderate. Cost $20.
1-4:30 p.m., 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 Nelson's and Saltmarsh) 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 p.m., John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala.
Hummingbird Banding (A) (Family Friendly)
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 p.m., 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. Easy. Cost $25.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Brian Bockhahn.
Saturday November 12, 2011 Trips
Bird Photography at Mattamuskeet Refuge (NEW!) - Full
Catch the morning light and explore Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in search of birds to photograph. Various wading birds, fall migrants, and abundant waterfowl are likely. Participants also can take advantage of the diverse scenery, flora and fauna along the way. A telephoto lens is recommended. Extend this trip with a special sunrise photography opportunity at the refuge - details below. Moderate. Cost $30.
5:30 or 8 to 11 a.m., Mark Buckler.
Meeting Details: Sunrise Option: Meet at Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island in Manteo at 5:30 a.m. Bird Photography portion: Meet at the Lake Mattamuskeet Observation Deck on Highway 94 (on causeway that runs through lake) at 8 a.m.
Marsh Birds of Bodie Island
Work the edges of Bodie Island's extensive marshes in search of rails, bitterns, marsh sparrows and wrens. Then experience the diversity of habitats in the 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 (Meet at North end, near restroom). Strenuous. Cost $20.
7:30-11 a.m., Steve Shultz.
South Pond and Beach Birding - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. First hour will be spent ocean-watching and searching for and identifying ocean and beach birds. The next 2.5 hrs. will be spent birding the impoundments, dikes and marshes. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate. Cost $25.
7:30-11 a.m., 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 one-mile walk. Cost $20.
7:30-11:30 a.m., Ricky Davis.
Oregon Inlet Marsh Birding (B) - Full
Check the inlet's beach and flats for shorebirds. Then wade the marsh in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows (including Nelson's and Saltmarsh) 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.
7:30 a.m.-Noon, John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala.
Cape Hatteras Birding (D) - Full
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 off-road areas. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate. $25.
8-11:30 a.m., Leaders: Susan Campbell, Bunny Doolittle, Taylor Piephoff, Audrey Whitlock, and John Wright will be assisted by other members of state and local bird clubs. Not all leaders on all trips.
Birding on Portsmouth Island - Full
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 there that, depending on conditions, may contain hundreds or even thousands of shorebirds, including Piping Plover. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 a.m. to line up for 7 a.m. ferry. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island). Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45.
8 a.m.-1 p.m., 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 a.m., Lena Gallitano.
Pelican Island Safari (C) - Full
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 strenuous. Cost $30.
9 a.m-Noon., Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn.
Bodie Island Lighthouse and Beach Birding - Full
This iconic Outer Banks historic landmark is surrounded by ponds, marshes, and woodlands. Its new boardwalk and the wooded trails offer a great diversity of birdlife. 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 (Meet at North end, near restroom). Moderate. Cost $20.
1-4:30 p.m., Steve Shultz.
South Pond Birding (F) - Full
South Pond, usually closed to visitors, provides a rare opportunity to search for birds where there has been a minimum of human disturbance. The search for birds will include the impoundment for waterfowl and migratory shorebirds, and the undisturbed vegetation of the dikes and marshes for songbirds and raptors. This program is suitable for all levels of birding, Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Approximately two miles of moderate to strenuous walking. Cost $25.
1-4:30 p.m., Jay Ross.
Hummingbird Banding (B) (Family Friendly)
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 p.m., Susan Campbell.
Sunday November 13, 2011 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 a.m., Jeff Lewis.
Birding For Eagles
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 scope the birds as they sit in trees that are some distance from the road. The trip should be especially appealing for those who travel Rte. 64 back to their homes. This site is approximately 1.5 hours from the Visitor Center on Roanoke Island. Vernon James Research Station. Easy. Cost $15.
9-11 a.m., Peggy Eubank.
