Bookmark NENC
Wings Over Water
Kuralt Trail
Alligator River
Museum
Features
Visitor Info
Sponsors
JobBank Service
About NENC
Home
Saturday Trips
 Photo by Klaus Ritter Saturday November 8, 2008 Trips |
Take an early morning trip to watch the awakening of endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Travel into a colony area on the US Air Force’s Dare County Range to learn about the management and ecology of this unique species in its unusual pond pine pocosin habitat. Also look for six other species of woodpeckers and various songbirds that can be seen in this area. Unpaved roads; 4x4 recommended. Outer Banks Welcome Center on Roanoke Island at east end of Virginia Dare Bridge. 6 to 11 a.m. Moderate. Cost $20. Robert Montgomery, Jay Ross
South Pond (6)
This is a rare opportunity to bird an of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge area usually closed to visitors. First hour will be spent ocean-watching and searching for/identifying ocean and beach birds. Pea Island refuge headquarters. 7:30 to 11 a.m. Moderate. Cost $20. Jeff Pippen, Will Cook
North Pond (7)
This program includes basic bird identification and the use of telescopes. Bird the south and north dikes of North Pond on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. North Pond Trail (south dike of North Pond) is maintained for easy walking and is universally accessible. Pea Island Refuge Visitor Center. 7:30 to 11 a.m. Easy. Cost $20. John and Paula Wright
Marsh Birds of Bodie Island (10)
Work the edges of Bodie Island’s extensive marshes in search of rails, bitterns, marsh sparrows and wrens. Walking in calf-deep water is possible. Bodie Island Lighthouse by restroom. 7:30 to 11 a.m. Strenuous. Cost $20. Steve Shultz
Old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station (8)
Look for land birds around the historic old Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station. Walk sand flats to find terns, shorebirds, 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. 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Moderate to Strenuous. Cost $20. Ricky Davis
Birding on Portsmouth Island (1)
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. Bring appropriate footwear for walking in water and dress in layers. Bring water and snacks. Prepare for mosquitos. Arrive at Hatteras ferry dock by 6:15 a.m. to line up for 7 a.m. ferry. Ocracoke Ferry Terminal in the village of Ocracoke on the southwest end of the island. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $40. Peter Vankevich
A Day with Pete Dunne NEW
Spend a day with Pete Dunne, author of Pete Dunne on Birding, The Wind Masters, Hawks in Flight, The Feather Quest and Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion. The day will start with a 4x4 caravan trip to Cape Hatteras Point. At lunch time, participants will dine with Dunne at a local restaurant before heading north in search of more birding treasures. Registration is limited to ensure a quality experience. Transportation is provided. 8 a.m. til the cows come home! Meeting place TBA. Cost $150. Pete Dunne.
Explore Historic Portsmouth Island Village (1)
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 and snacks. Prepare for mosquitos. 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. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Moderate to strenuous. Cost: $45 Dave Frum, Portsmouth Village caretaker
Whalebone Junction Marsh Paddle NEW
Paddle through a mixture of natural creeks and man-made canals dug by the Civil Conservation Corps during the Great Depression in an attempt to control mosquitoes. See blue, green, and tri-colored 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. 9 a.m. to noon. Moderate. Cost: $35 Kitty Hawk Kites
“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, amongst pelican nests and learn about their breeding biology. Walk to the top of the dune for a view of other island inhabitants such as birds, mammals and butterflies. Weather permitting, capture and tag Monarch butterflies as they pause to nectar on blooming goldenrod on their migration south to Mexico. Restroom onboard. Park at Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Wanchese. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Moderate to rigorous. Cost $25. Stuart Wescott and Brian Bockhahn
Studio demonstrations (J)
In addition to the week-long exhibit of hand-crafted works by Pocosin artists, the studio will host artists who will show how they carve working decoys and song birds, impress nature tiles and create natural forms sculpted in clay. The demonstrations will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pocosin Arts Gallery is located on Main Street in Columbia. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free
Explore the Shore NEW! (4)
Come visit a place where geologic time moves in fast forward. Join National Park Service Ranger Laura Sturtz to explore the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and discover ways that plants, animals and people adapt to this ever-changing environment. Bring wading shoes or boots, sunscreen, a hat, and water. Meet at the far end of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse parking lot, Buxton. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Moderately strenuous. Cost $20. Laura Sturtz
Currituck Beach Lighthouse & Tour of Keeper’s Quarters NEW! (14)
Imagine a day in the life of Currituck Beach lighthouse keepers of the U.S. Lifesaving Service in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Tour private quarters of the Victorian 1876 Keeper’s House and other historic structures on the grounds. Learn about duties of keepers and their families in the isolated seaside outpost. Climb 214 steps to the top of the 1875 Currituck Beach Lighthouse for an exhilarating birds-eye view of the northern Outer Banks with close inspection to the operational first order Fresnel lens that can be seen eighteen miles out to sea. Meet at base of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla. 10 a.m. to noon. Moderate to strenuous. Cost $ 30. Meghan Agresto, site manager, and Luis Garcia, keeper
Bodie Island Lighthouse (10)
This program ideal for beginning birders. Look for songbirds around the lighthouse and on wooded trails, and for water birds from the boardwalk by the ponds. Bodie Island Lighthouse by restroom. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Moderate. Cost $20. Steve Shultz
Oregon Inlet Marsh Birds (9)
Briefly search the flats of Oregon Inlet for shorebirds, particularly Piping Plovers. Then wade the marsh in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows, including the Sharp-tails, and wrens, including Sedge. Walking in calf-deep water is required. 4x4 transportation provided. South end of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center next to the ship’s propeller on display. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Strenuous. Cost $25. John Fussell, Chris Eley, Kent Fiala
Cape Hatteras (4)
The Point, the Salt Pond and the sandy beach are important areas of Cape Hatteras National Seashore for viewing unusual gulls, seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, waders and raptors. Brown Pelicans are sure to be seen. Black Skimmers and American Oystercatchers are possible. Learn to separate the six possible species of gulls and five species of terns. Limited to 12 participants. 4X4 transportation is provided. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse visitor parking area. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Easy. Cost $25. Pat or Neal Moore, Bunny Doolittle, Eric Dean, Taylor Piephoff
South Pond (6)
This is a rare opportunity to bird an area on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge usually closed to visitors. Pea Island refuge headquarters. 1 to 4:30 p.m. Moderate. Cost $20. John and Paula Wright
The Island Farm on Roanoke Island NEW! (E)
Regional folklore and music by the hearth at The Island Farm, established in 1783 by Jesse Etheridge. The restored two-story framed house was originally built by his grandson, Adam Dough Etheridge, between 1845 and 1850 using hewn and pit-sawn timbers and bricks believed to be from ship’s ballast. Leisurely stroll grounds at your own pace. View grazing sheep and outbuildings preserved by Outer Banks Conservationists and envision the vibrant life of this 1850’s Roanoke Island subsistence farming and fishing family. No electricity so dress appropriately. Approximately 1.7 miles north of Manteo on US 64, on left. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost $20. Local storytellers, musicians and preservationists.
Hummingbird Banding NEW LOCATION(E)
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. Roanoke Island Aquarium on Roanoke Island parking lot. 2 to 4 p.m. Easy. Cost $20. Susan Campbell
Kitty Hawk Bay Sunset Kayak Tour (13)
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. 3 to 5 p.m. Moderate. Cost $35. Kitty Hawk Kites
Owl Prowl (H)
Hoot up Barred Owls, Screech Owls and, maybe even, a Great Horned Owl. Observe classic owl behavior. Program will begin with a brief program on natural history, distribution and identification of local species. Creef Cut parking area. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Easy. Cost $20. Brian Bockhahn
Red Wolf Howling (H)
Caravan into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to “howl up” the wolves with Red Wolf Outreach Coordinator Diane Hendry. 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. 5 to 7 p.m. Easy. Cost $20. Diane Hendry
Aquarium After Hours (E)
What could be more perfect than ending OBX Wild week with an unhurried and relaxing after-hours stroll through the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island? The answer is simple. Taking that stroll with a glass of your favorite beverage (water, soda, wine, beer) and sampling delicious locally-prepared heavy hor’deurves along the way. Plus, there will be a variety of entertainment to enjoy. Take this opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones during this unique “not to miss” OBX Wild social event. See you there. EASY!!! 7 to 9 p.m. Cost $20
At Wings Over Water there will be something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. Get your schedule of events and registration forms now or have one mailed to you by calling the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce (252) 441-8144.
Wings Over Water Home | Request Schedule Of Events And Registration Booklet
| Keynote Presentation with Pete Dunne |
| Art Show | Tuesday Field Trips | Wednesday Trips | Thursday Trips | Friday Trips |
| Saturday Trips |Sunday Trips |Registration Form | |Refund and Waiver Form |
| Discount Accommodations | Trip Directions (Microsoft Word file) | Trip Directions (Adobe Acrobat Reader file) |
|Main WOW Map (Acrobat Reader File) | Albemarle Area Map |
| Distances Between Locations |
| Wildfest 2008
|2007 Bird List | 1998-2007 Bird List |
|
Don't miss The Wings Over Water Journal Post your Event Sightings and Photos, Find the Latest Announcements and Bulletins, Check Out Previous Years Sightings, Read about the FREE Wildfest in October!
Do you know someone that would be interested in Wings Over Water? |
Return to the NENC Sponsor Listing
For information on Northeastern North Carolina use our On-Line Request Form .
Visit our "Sister Site", North Carolina's Outer Banks .
Northeastern North Carolina
Copyright © 2008