Wednesday November 9, 2011 Trips
South Pond Birding (B) - 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., Audrey Whitlock, Peggy Eubank.
Corolla Birding (A)
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.
Exploring Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (NEW!) - Full
Explore this new gem in the region with special access to the various habitats of the 2600-acre sanctuary. This guided walk, although focused on birdwatching, will feature all the nature and history that the sanctuary has to offer. Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary and Center. Moderate, two-mile walk on solid terrain. Cost $20.
8-11 a.m., Mark Buckler.
Cape Hatteras Birding (A) - 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.
Mattamuskeet Refuge Birding (A)
Meet at the Mattamuskeet Lodge and learn about the refuge before departing for the Causeway, Entrance Road and Wildlife Drive to view thousands of waterfowl as well as shorebirds, waders and raptors. Explore other parts of the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge as time allows. Mattamuskeet Lodge. Moderate. Cost $20.
8 a.m.-Noon, Ernie Marshall.
Birding 101 (A)
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.
Nags Head Woods Preserve
Explore a globally-rare maritime deciduous forest with towering dunes, ponds, swamps and other ecological communities with the Nature Conservancy's northeast regional steward. Learn about conservation efforts in this unique preserve that contains the richest biological diversity on the Outer Banks. Watch for various forms of wildlife and both northern and southern species of native flora. Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Moderate. Cost $20.
9-11 a.m., Aaron McCall.
Pea Island Plant Hike (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Many native species of plants thrive on Hatteras Island. Learn how they are uniquely adapted to the local conditions and the area's wildlife, including important pollinators and migratory birds. Discover why many vines considered a nuisance are actually necessary for wildlife and other plants. From the native plant garden at the visitor center to the beautiful canopy of the maritime forest on North Pond Trail, explore the variety of plants that provide cover and food for wildlife (and humans, too!). Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. Moderate. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge.
9-11 a.m., Cindy Heffley, refuge staff.
Roanoke Island History Kayak Tour (NEW!) - Full
From the Lost Colony to the Civil War, the history of this area truly makes it unique, and what better way to visit it than in a kayak. Paddle along the shores of Roanoke Island beginning in downtown Manteo and then looping around Ice Plant Island, the site of Festival Park. Paddling though the brackish marsh waters expect to see a variety of waterfowl and wildlife. Good tour for beginners and experts. Downtown Manteo, Kitty Hawk Kites Location. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
9-11 a.m., Outdoors Inn.
South Pond Birding (C) - 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.
Digital Photography Basics
Learn how to use your digital camera and what to do with all those images. This presentation will provide tips and techniques designed to improve your photography and produce more artistic results. Specific topics will include camera functions, image management and making your pictures look their best with software. A portion of this class may include an outdoor photographic session and a review of participants' digital images. Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary and Center. Easy. Cost $30.
2-6 p.m., Mark Buckler.
Owl Prowl (A) - Full
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. Easy. Cost $25.
4:30-7:30 p.m., Brian Bockhahn.
Red Wolf Howling Safari (A) (Family Friendly)
Come learn about the majestic Red Wolf, one of the world's most endangered canids, at the only place where they exist in the wild. You will not only learn about this critically endangered and elusive species, but hopefully experience the opportunity of a lifetime to hear their harmonious howls when you caravan deep into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to "howl up" the wolves. Flashlights recommended. Creef Cut parking area. Easy. Cost $20; two children 12 and under may accompany a paying adult for no charge.
5-7 p.m., refuge staff.
Climate Change: It's real and it's here - Part I (NEW!)
It's mentioned everywhere, but is it real? If it is real, is anything being done to understand how it's affecting the habitats in our area? Join staff from The Nature Conservancy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to learn about climate change. Hear about actions that are taking place to try to save the altered ecosystems along the Albemarle Sound at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Find out how you can help make a difference for generations to come. Roanoke Island Festival Park Theater. Easy. Free.
6-8 p.m., Brian Boutin, Ph. D.
Roanoke Island Full Moon Kayak Tour (NEW!) - Full
Don't miss the first Wings Over Water Full Moon Kayak Tour. A popular tour in the summer, the full moon paddle will go through the marshes of Roanoke Island and then circumnavigate Festival Park (Ice Plant Island). By the light of the moon, this paddle gives a very different perspective on the marshes. Owls, herons, and egrets roost nearby and, under the power of the full moon, who knows what other wildlife may become active? Downtown Manteo, Kitty Hawk Kites location. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $35.
6-8 p.m., Kitty Hawk Kayaks.
Lost Colony Astronomy (A) (NEW!) (Family Friendly)
Come to The Lost Colony's Waterside Theater, sit back and relax in the amphitheater for a tour of the night sky with an astronomer as your guide. And remember that the stars you see are the same ones that helped guide The Lost Colony to these shores 20 years before Jamestown was settled. Discover the stories in the sky and explore the constellations and bright stars that have fascinated humankind for ages. Before you know it, new knowledge will transform the vast sea of stars overhead into a readable map of the cosmos. Lost Colony ticket booth/parking lot in Fort Raleigh. Easy. Cost $10; two children 12 and under may accompany paying adult for no charge. Dress warm.
6:30-7:30 p.m., Woodrow Grizzle, ECSU Planetarium.
