Thursday November 10, 2011 Trips
Pea Island Refuge Sunrise Kayak Tour
Enjoy a sunrise kayak tour though Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge where the shallow waters bring an abundance of shore birds and other wildlife. Oystercatchers, plovers, gulls, cormorants, pelicans and occasionally migratory snow geese gather here to feed. This is a stunningly beautiful paddle between islands of marsh grass during the first light of day. New Inlet boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
6-9 a.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
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.
Climate Change: It's real and it's here - Part II (NEW!)
As an extension of the Wednesday night program, take a field trip to the Point Peter Road research site and see first hand the steps that are being taken there in response to climate change. Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island. Easy. Free.
9-10:30 a.m., Brian Boutin, Ph. D.
Maritime Forest Morning Kayak Tour
Take an early morning paddle through Kitty Hawk Woods, one of three maritime forests remaining on the Outer Banks. This paddling trip offers a unique opportunity to kayak through amber-colored creeks under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. There generally is an abundance of backyard birds, wrens, and chickadees, as well as Pileated Woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons and egrets. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11 a.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
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.
Marsh Exploration at Roanoke Island Festival Park (NEW!)
Explore the natural beauty of the Outer Banks with an environmental educator from the NC Coastal Federation on a guided tour around the boardwalk at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Observe an ecological blend of marshes and upland forests inhabited by turtles, muskrats, egrets, rabbits, osprey and more and see what it's like to call an island a home. Also take a closer look at some low impact development techniques that have been installed to help improve water quality and stabilize this area of shoreline. Roanoke Island Festival Park. Participants will stay high and dry walking through these habitats along boardwalks and piers. Cost $15.
11 a.m.-Noon, Sara Jean Hallas.
Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour (Family Friendly) - Full
Enjoy the beauty of the refuge from the open-air tram! Sit back and enjoy the ride with your hands free to take fantastic photographs or gaze at wildlife through binoculars. Enjoy a lively narrative about the natural history of the refuge and hear stories of past and present uses of the land. Discover techniques used to manage the mosaic of habitats for native wildlife. This tour will include Twiford Road which is normally closed this time of year. Please be prepared for a variety of temperatures and the possibility of biting insects. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
12:30-3:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
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.
Beach and Dunescape Photography (NEW!) - Full
Join local nature photographers, Mark Buckler and Michael Halminski, for a fun and educational outing to a favorite location of both photographers - the beach and dunescapes of Pea Island. In this beautiful setting, you will learn how to create compelling images of the Outer Banks landscape with hands-on instruction and guidance. The class will culminate with an opportunity to capture the splendor of the setting sun and rising full moon. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Easy to moderate. Cost $30.
3-6 p.m., Mark Buckler, Mike Halminski.
Alligator River Full Moon Canoe Tour (NEW!) - Full
Enjoy the magic of the moonlit night as you join the refuge staff on this special tour of the refuge at a time when it is usually closed to visitors. Look and listen for creatures that prefer the night. Shine your light on one of the many insects creeping along the banks or trees. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Buffalo City under the moonlit sky as you paddle through the man made canals to sawyer lake. Bring a flashlight! Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Moonlight Walk (NEW!)
Enjoy November's full moon with an evening beach walk. Bring binoculars to better observe the moon, planets and constellations. Learn why protecting the night sky is important to conserving coastal wildlife. Old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse parking lot. Participants should be able to walk approximately one mile in soft sand. Cost $15.
5:30-7 p.m., Marcia Lyons.
