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, Ben Watkins, 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 a.m. to line up for the 7 a.m. ferry. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island). Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. 8 am-1 pm. Peter Vankevich.
Historic Portsmouth Island Village Exploration
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, snacks, and bug repellant. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 a.m. to line up for 7 a.m. ferry. Meet guide at Ocracoke Ferry Terminal in village of Ocracoke on the southwest end of the island to board chartered vessel to Portsmouth Island. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal (SW end of Ocracoke Island. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $45. 8 am-1 pm. Dave Frum, Portsmouth Village caretaker.
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.
Whalebone Junction Marsh Kayak Tour
Paddle through a mixture of natural creeks and man-made canals dug by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression in an attempt to control mosquitoes. See assorted herons, as well as oystercatchers, ducks, geese and kingfishers. Guided by an experienced naturalist, learn the history and importance of this popular paddling area. Nags Head Causeway at pink building. Moderate. Cost $35. 9 am-Noon. Kitty Hawk Kites.
Explore the Shore
Come 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 am. National Park Service ranger.
Tracking Wildlife on Creef Cut Trail (Family Friendly) (B)
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 how to track wildlife in your own backyard. Creef Cut parking area. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 10-11:30 am. Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Maritime Forest Family Kayak Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
Parents and children welcome to come paddle the calm, shallow waters of Maritime Forest. A perfect time of year to see birds, turtles, deer, and the beautiful fall foliage though one of five deciduous Maritime Forests of the world. This two-hour paddle includes a paddle lesson, guided tour with a naturalist, and double kayaks to fit up to two children and one adult. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 10 am-Noon. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Introduction to Digital Nature Photography for Children at Island Farm (New) (Family Friendly)
Led by a professional wildlife photographer, this program will teach children how to take successful photographs of animals and scenes on an historic farm. Established in 1783 by Jessie Etheridge, this living-history farm has historic buildings and grazing livestock that will provide unique photographic opportunities. All cameras welcome. Island Farm. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Paying for this trip grants you free admission for The Island Farm on Roanoke Island trip from 2-4 pm.
Noon-2 pm. Lori Cash.
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. FREE. No registration required. Noon-5:30 pm. Linda Austin.
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.
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. Island Farm. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Paying for this trip grants free admission to Introduction to Digital Nature Photography for Children trip from noon to 2 pm. 2-4 pm. Island Farm site managers.
Visit http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/islandfarm/ for more information about the Farm.
Introduction to Digital Nature Photography at Sunset (Family Friendly)
This program at North Pond Trail on Pea Island will give participants a chance to learn basic techniques of digital nature photography while exploring and
photographing the diverse scenery, birds, flora and the sunset. Led by a professional nature photographer, participants will be introduced to the digital camera including basic techniques and tips on how to see the nature around them through the camera’s eye. All cameras welcome. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 3 pm to sunset (5:30 pm). Lori Cash.
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour (B)
Enjoy a classic Carolina sunset over Kitty Hawk Bay. Navigate by the amber light of the harvest setting sun. Pass through tall cord grass fields and listen for the mysterious sounds of the night marsh. Dock of the Bay Marina. Cost $35. 3-5:30 pm. Kitty Hawk Kites.
Alligator River Sunset Canoe Tour (New)
Take a canoe tour through the black waters of Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge while the fading light of day casts a soothing spell on a relaxing journey. Learn about Buffalo City and the history of the area before it became a refuge. Listen for the sounds of wildlife as they prowl or fly through the dusk. Peer into the swamp as you try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Red Wolf or other critters that call the refuge home. Buffalo City Road boat access. Cost $35. 3-6 pm. Abbey Reibel, refuge staff.
Refuge at Night Tram Tour (New) (Family Friendly) (B)
After a brief overview of the refuge, climb aboard the refuge’s open-air tram and take in all the sights and sounds of the night! Experience the beauty of the area as the sun sets and darkness falls upon the land. This trip is a rare opportunity to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge after it closes at night using spotlights to watch for deer, bear, birds and other wildlife. Join expert naturalists for an experience not to be forgotten. Hot beverages will be available to keep you warm on the tour. Creef Cut parking area. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 4-7 pm. Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
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.
