Friday November 6, 2009 Trips
Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Palmetto-Peartree Preserve
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. 6 to 11 am. Cost $20. 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. 6:30 to 10 am. Cost $20. Brian Van Druten
North Pond Birding
Beginning birders are welcome on this walk along the south and north dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. North Pond WildlifeTrail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. 7:30 to 11 am. Cost $20. 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. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. 7:30 to 11 am. Moderate. Cost $25. Kent Fiala
Roanoke Island Birding
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. 7:30 to 11:30 am. Cost $20. Jeff Lewis
From Sea to Sound
How many habitat types are on Pea Island? What wildlife species does each habitat support? How much management does each habitat require to support good populations? Take a walk across Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge from ocean to salt marsh and learn about the Refuge, its habitats and its management. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. 8 to 10 am. Moderate. Cost $20. Bob Glennon
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, Susan Campbell
Mattamuskeet Refuge Birding
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. 8 am to noon. Moderate. Cost $20. Ernie Marshall
Ocracoke Island Birding
Experience the bird life of this wonderful 15-mile-long barrier island, which - except for the village at the southwest end - is entirely Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Target birds will be Marbled Godwits, Piping Plover, Red Knots, White Ibis, Common Moorhen, Hooded Mergansers, and hopefully, spectacular views of Northern Gannets feeding just off shore. Look for waterfowl, gulls and pelicans during the 45-minute ferry crossing from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island, if traveling from the north. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 am to line up for 7 am ferry. Stops will include pine woods, marshes, the beach and South Point. Will return to ferry dock on the northeast end of Ocracoke no later than 2:45 for those who want to ride the 3 pm ferry back to Hatteras. Bring a lunch and beverages. 4x4 vehicle desirable, but not required. Ocracoke Campground (NPS) parking lot.
8 am to 2 pm. Cost $35. Peter Vankevich
Mashoes Marshes Kayak
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. 9 to 11:30 am. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35. Coastal Kayak
OBX Birding – The Global Connection (NEW!)
Positioned on the Atlantic Flyway, the Outer Banks is both a destination and a stopover for birds traveling along their migration route connecting our state to many parts of the world. Learn about the various species that use the OBX in their long journeys and see first-hand how habitats in other countries impact their life cycle. Learn how your daily cup of coffee can also impact and benefit birds that summer with us in North Carolina. Roanoke Island Festival Park. 9:30 to 11am. Cost $20. Lena Gallitano
“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 rigorous. Cost $30. Stuart Wescott, Brian Bockhahn
Barrier Island Nature (NEW!)
Join a National Park Service Ranger for a talk or short walk exploring the wild side of the Outer Banks. Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion. 10 am to noon. Cost $20. Park Staff.
'A Winter Day - Lake Mattamuskeet' (w/boxed lunch)
Join fellow participants for a tasty boxed lunch and private showing of the award-winning video “A Winter Day – Lake Mattamuskeet.” Filmed on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, this video has no narration, only the natural sounds of wildlife on the lake shown through beautiful cinematography and music arranged by musician and songwriter, Blake Scott. This will appeal to nature lovers, birders and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, Lake Mattamuskeet and the Refuge. Mattamuskeet Refuge Office. Noon to 1:15 pm. Cost $20. Dr. Lewis Forrest, Executive Director, The Mattamuskeet Foundation
Landscaping for Birds and Butterflies (NEW!)
Develop your own home landscape into a sanctuary for birds and butterflies with the knowledge gained from this seminar. Participants will receive detailed, full color handouts that focus on plants for birds and butterflies. Procedures to develop a North Carolina and National Wildlife Federation-certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat will also be provided. Roanoke Island Festival Park. 1 to 2:30 pm. Cost $20. Lena Gallitano
Maritime Forest Afternoon Kayak Tour
Take a paddle through Kitty Hawk Woods, one of three maritime forests remaining on the Outer Banks. This paddling trip offers a unique experience to kayak through amber-colored creeks under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. There generally is an abundance of backyard birds, wrens, chickadees and Indigo Buntings, as well as, Pleated Woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons and egrets. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. 1 to 3 pm. Cost $35. Kitty Hawk Kayak and Surf School
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). 1 to 4:30 pm. Moderate. Cost $20. Jeff Pippen
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 4:30 pm. Strenuous. Cost $25. John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala
Lake Mattamuskeet History and Ecology Tour
Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina, is the site of America’s most famous pump-supported land reclamation project that drained the lake three times using the world’s largest capacity pumping plant. The Mattamuskeet Drainage District’s drainage project, from 1909 to 1932, excavated 130 miles of large navigable canals in and around the lake that have permanently altered its ecology. Dr. Lewis Forrest will guide a walking tour while narrating an overview of the history of the lake and Mattamuskeet Lodge, which was originally the pumping plant. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held indoors. Mattamuskeet Refuge Office. 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Cost $20. Dr. Lewis Forrest, Executive Director, The Mattamuskeet Foundation
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
Frisco Native American Museum Tour and Program (NEW!)
Join the Director for a personal tour of the museum. Native Americans have had an intimate relationship with the natural world unrivaled by other Americans. Their lives literally depended on their knowledge of nature. A special program will give insight into the history of this relationship, providing information very relevant to us today. Frisco Native American Museum. 3 to 5 pm. Cost $20. Carl and Joyce Bornfriend
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
Keynote Reception
Award-winning nature photographer Mark Buckler will be this year's keynote speaker. He will share all the best kept secrets about how to capture the beauty and often surprising moments in nature. Buckler also is teaching an expanded list of nature photography programs as part of Wings Over Water this year. Before the keynote address, a reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and libations will be served in the Mall and inside the Museum at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Roanoke Island Festival Park. 7 p.m. Cost $35. Click here for more information.
