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.
Explore Historic Portsmouth Island Village - Full
Explore the natural and cultural history of Portsmouth Island village, established by NC's Colonial Assembly in 1753 and maintained by the National park Service since 1976. Although the last resident left in 1971, the village and its remaining buildings, on the National Register of Historic Places, are a living testimonial to a once-thriving and vibrant coastal community. Bring water and snacks. Prepare for the possibility of cold weather and biting insects. 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., Dave Frum, Portsmouth Village caretaker.
Earthcaching at Pea Island (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
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. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9-10:30 a.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
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.
Explore the Shore
Visit a place where geologic time moves in fast forward. Join a National Park Service ranger to explore the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and discover ways that plants, animals, and people adapt to this ever-changing environment. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. Moderate to Strenuous. Free.
10-11:30 a.m., National Park Service ranger.
Wild Times at Cape Hatteras Secondary School (Family Friendly)
Join students and faculty for this free event especially for children. Learn about the programs the students are doing in partnership with the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society and other local organizations. See what's inside an owl pellet, build a bird nesting box, and participate in other fun activities! Cape Hatteras Secondary School. Easy. Free. No registration required.
Noon-5:30 p.m., Linda Austin.
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.
The Island Farm on Roanoke Island (Family Friendly)
The Island Farm was established in 1783 by Jesse Etheridge, and his grandson built the restored two-story house around 1850 using hewn and pit-sawn timbers and bricks believed to be from ship's ballast. Come stroll the grounds - view grazing sheep and preserved outbuildings and stop at stations that recreate the vibrant life of the 1850's from hearth cooking where you can try your hand at making a cornmeal Johnny cake, to children's toys and games where you can give the games the Etheridge children played a try, like Hunt the Slipper, England and France, plus many others. Take a special tour around the facility with the man who rebuilt the farm and learn about how he restored this historic site. Island Farm. Easy Stroll on Grass / Dirt. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
2 p.m.-4 p.m., Island Farm Site managers.
Visit http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/ for more information on the farm.
Keynote Reception
There just can't be a better way to end the day than taking a leisurely stroll through the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island while enjoying a relaxing drink and then having dinner right in front of the shark tank. And when dinner is over, enjoy this year's keynote presentation by award-winning photographer, author and biologist Todd Pusser. He has traveled to more than 30 countries and into every ocean basin on earth. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of publications around the world and have been featured in prominent magazines such as BBC Wildlife, National Wildlife, National Geographic Kids, and Ocean Realm. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Cost $35.
Social 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. followed by keynote, Todd Pusser.
