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.
Mashoes Marshes Kayak Tour - Full
Kayak with a local guide through the backwater creeks of the Mashoes community. This is a lesser-traveled portion of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, making it one of the most pristine kayak locations on the Outer Banks. The trip combines open water and narrow, winding paths through cordgrass fields. Participants also will have the opportunity to explore a remote beach and maritime forest, on foot, along the Albemarle Sound. Mashoes Road kayak access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11:30 a.m. Coastal Kayaks.
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.
Tracking Wildlife on Creef Cut Trail (Family Friendly)
Can you figure out what wildlife use this trail? Clues are everywhere but what does the evidence tell us? Discover why tracking is important to scientists as well as others. This leisurely stroll and activity is designed for the young and young at heart! Learn about the latest information scientists have uncovered about wildlife habits along Route 64. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
10:30 a.m.-Noon, Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Earthcaching at Alligator River (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Are you looking for a new way to discover and experience nature adventures? Join us for this fun program and learn about earthcaching. Discover a fun activity for the whole family. Learn how to use a Global Positional System Receiver (GPS) to uncover sites that are important scientifically or help us to learn more about the planet. GPS units will be provided. Easy. Creef Cut parking area. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
1-2:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
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.
Corolla Sunset Kayak Tour - Full
Escape to the quiet waters of the Currituck Sound and end the day watching an extraordinary fall sunset as the light from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse begins to wink. The quiet makes it easy to observe wildlife as well as unwind in a unique setting. There are chances to see muskrat, river otter, blue herons, egrets, bald eagles, and migrating waterfowl. Coastal Explorations. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
3-6 p.m., Coastal Explorations.
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.
Red Wolf Howling Safari (B) (Family Friendly)
Come learn about the majestic Red Wolf, one of the world's most endangered canids, at the only place where they exist in the wild. You will not only learn about this critically endangered and elusive species, but hopefully experience the opportunity of a lifetime to hear their harmonious howls when you caravan deep into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to "howl up" the wolves. Flashlights recommended. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany a paying adult for no charge.
5-7 p.m., refuge Staff.
Lost Colony Astronomy (B) (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Come to The Lost Colony's Waterside Theater, sit back and relax in the amphitheater for a tour of the night sky with an astronomer as your guide. And remember that the stars you see are the same ones that helped guide The Lost Colony to these shores 20 years before Jamestown was settled. Discover the stories in the sky and explore the constellations and bright stars that have fascinated humankind for ages. Before you know it, new knowledge will transform the vast sea of stars overhead into a readable map of the cosmos. Lost Colony ticket booth/parking lot in Fort Raleigh. Easy. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Dress warm.
6:30-7:30 p.m., Woodrow Grizzle, ECSU Planetarium.
