Tuesday November 8, 2011 Trips
A "Big Day" Birding (NEW!)
Ever envied those birders who find rarities and tally 100-plus species in a whirlwind birding day? Then this trip is for you! The trip will move from the coastal plain at Lake Phelps to the Outer Banks, stopping at varied habitats and birding hotspots to try to see and hear as many species as possible in one day. The pace will be fast in order to cover the ground required. Identification by sight and sound will be quick. Bird checklists and an itinerary with map and timetables will be provided in advance. Bring food and drink for the day. Rest stops will be made as needed. Wear walking shoes/boots suitable for mostly flat terrain; no hike from the van will be lengthy or strenuous. Some wading possible, but not required. Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island. Moderate. Cost $50.
4:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Brian Bockhahn, current NC record-holder for Fall and Winter Big Days.
North Pond Birding (A)
This walk, suitable for all levels of birding, will include the south and north dikes and will be paced to give participants an opportunity to study each species found. Likely species would include nine kinds of dabbling ducks, herons and egrets, Brown Pelicans, White Ibis, migrant shorebirds, five kinds of gulls and terns, migrant warblers, seven kinds of sparrows and blackbirds. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate walking of 1 to 1.5 miles round trip. Cost $20.
7:30-11 a.m., Ron Marchand.
South Pond Birding (A) - 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.
7:30-11 a.m., John and Paula Wright.
Alligator River Refuge Canoe Tour (A) (Family Friendly)
Take a canoe tour through the cypress creeks of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This trip is filled with local history and an abundance of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Bald Eagles. You might even see a Black Bear. Buffalo City Road boat access. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9 a.m.-Noon, Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Pocosin Lakes Refuge Birding (A)
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.
Backcountry Expedition Kayak and 4x4 tour - Full
The unique combination of off-road 4x4 and kayak eco-touring explores 30 miles of beach and backcountry lanes by SUV and the northern Currituck waterways by kayak. You're likely to see some of the Currituck "wild horses"- possible descendents from the Spanish mustangs. Trained naturalists discuss local ecology, history and shore life. No private boats permitted. Backcountry Outfitters in Corolla Light Town Center. Kayaking, weather permitted. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $50.
Noon-3:30 p.m., Backcountry Outfitters and Guides.
Maritime Forest Sunset Kayak Tour
Kitty Hawk Woods, one of only three maritime forests remaining on the Outer Banks, offers a unique experience as kayakers paddle through an amber-colored creek under a canopy of Live Oaks and Loblolly Pines. Turtles, snakes, and other reptiles are very common in this area, as are birds such as herons, egrets, woodpeckers, kingfishers, Red-tailed Hawks and eagles. At sunset, paddle through the marsh section and possibly witness local wildlife feeding. A great kayak tour for the beginner as well as the experienced paddler. The woods provide shelter from the wind, and the water is shallow. Kitty Hawk Kayaks. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $35.
3-6 p.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Refuge At Night (A) (Family Friendly) - Full
The refuge is a magical place at night. Discover what the critters do as the sun sets and the moon appears. 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. Hot beverages will be available to keep you warm on the tour. Transportation provided. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
