Thursday November 11, 2010 Trips
Pea Island Refuge Sunrise Kayak Tour (B)
Enjoy a sunrise kayak tour though Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The shallow waters bring an abundance of shore birds. Oystercatchers, plovers, gulls, cormorants and pelicans gather to feed. On occasion, catch a glimpse of migratory Snow Geese. This is a stunningly beautiful paddle between islands of marsh grass during the first light of day. New Inlet boat access. Cost $35. 6-9 am. The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
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. Service station at west end of Alligator River Bridge. Cost $20. 6-11 am. John Hammond.
Photo Tour of Hatteras National Seashore
Join last year’s keynote speaker, Mark Buckler, for a fun and educational outing. This will be a casual tour of various photographic locations from Bodie Island Light to Hatteras Light. Photographic subjects will range from the iconic to the abstract. You must provide your own transportation for this trip or carpool. All cameras welcome. Bodie Island Lighthouse parking lot (North end, near restroom). Cost $40. 7 am-1 pm. Mark Buckler.
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 am. 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. Cost $20. 7:30-11 am. Susan Campbell.
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. Cost $20. 7:30-11:30 am. Jeff Lewis.
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 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, as well as Pileated Woodpeckers, kingfishers, herons and egrets. Great for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Cost $35. 9-11 am. Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Tracking Wildlife on Creef Cut Trail (Family Friendly) (A)
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.
Alligator River Refuge Tram Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
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 up close through binoculars. Enjoy a lively narrative about the natural history of the refuge and hear fascinating stories of past and present uses of the land. Find out if there really were buffalo in Buffalo City. Discover techniques used to manage the mosaic of habitats for native wildlife. 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. 12:30-3:30 pm. 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 pm. David Hughes.
Bodie Island Marshes Kayak Tour (New) (Family Friendly)
Kayak one of the lesser explored paddling areas. Explore the marshes looking for the wide variety of birds and marine life found here. Paddle by a traditional “gun” club and an abandoned oyster packing plant and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Hear about the rich cultural history of these marshes and how the use of the Punt Gun changed our environment to this day. This trip is great for photography. Bodie Island visitor center south parking lot. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. 1-3 pm. The Outdoors Outfitters, Pam Malec Landrum.
South Pond Beginning Birding (C)
This program designed for beginning birders includes a rare opportunity to bird an area of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Pea Island Refuge Headquarters. Moderate. Cost $25. 1-4:30 pm. Ricky Davis.
Big Tree Hike (Family Friendly)
Come join the Park director for a hike through Pettigrew Sate Park’s virgin forest. Learn about the Park’s champion trees that include several with diameters between six and 10 feet. Observe remnants from 2003’s Hurricane Isabel. Some hiking will be off the trail. Pettigrew State Park office. Moderate. FREE. 2-4 pm. Doug LeQuire.
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour (A)
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.
Refuge at Night Tram Tour (New) (Family Friendly) (A)
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.
Red Wolf Howling Safari
Caravan into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to “howl up” the wolves. Learn about endangered and elusive red wolves and hopefully experience the opportunity of a lifetime to hear their harmonious howls. Flashlights helpful but not necessary. Creef Cut parking area. Cost $20. 5-7 pm. Refuge staff.
