Field Trip Schedule and Descriptions

Field Trip Descriptions

Trip 17 & 36: Cedar Island — https://www.fws.gov/refuge/cedar-island

Covering over 14,000 acres, Cedar Island NWR consists of sandy beach shoreline, marsh, and both maritime and upland forests. We will start with a brief stop to look for Seaside Sparrow. Any brushy area may hold a Sedge Wren, especially along Lola Road, and the shoreline adjacent the ferry terminal will allow shorebird viewing. The beach walk will be about a two-mile round trip with firmer and softer sand footing. Down the beach we can scope the ponds and water on the inland side of this spit from atop the dunes. We will also make a stop near the Ferry Road Bridge for sparrows and rails. There is a restroom at the ferry terminal, and picnic tables for our lunch. Bring your spotting scope if you have one, otherwise share those brought by the leaders. Travel time: One hour—we will bird going and coming back. Difficulty: Moderate. Facilities: limited, so bring a lunch and water.

Trip 16 & 35: Shackleford Banks East — https://ebird.org/hotspot/L674614

This trip travels to a remote barrier island (no facilities) where we hope to find numbers of shorebirds, waders, and beach birds. This is an amazing opportunity to bird an area that is as natural as it gets in coastal North Carolina. We should have nice numbers and variety of shorebirds, with the possibility of Long-billed Curlew. This is the location where a Bar-tailed Godwit spent a number of recent winters. Access to the island is via “ferry”, a small open boat. Bring lunch, water, extra jacket and footwear that can withstand several inches of water. Conditions will be muddy in some marsh-side areas. Be prepared for cold, wind, and possible spray on the boat ride to and from the island. There is no dock on Shackleford, so participants will need to exit the boat onto the beach, possibly crossing shallow water for a short distance. If weather cancels the trip, alternate trips will be available on the mainland.

Among the birds we hope to see: Red-throated Loon, American Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Northern Gannet, Peregrine Falcon, Wilson's Plover, and Marbled Godwit. In addition, a few of the wild ponies may be in the area. Travel time: 1:05. The ferry departs from 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island at 10:00 am. This trip requires purchase of ferry transportation at $24/person—pay at the ferry terminal or book online (be sure to choose the “Harkers Island → Shackleford Banks” ferry). Difficulty: Possible spray, walking on soft sand and mud. Facilities: at the ferry terminal.

Trip 1,8,19 & 27: North River Wetland Preserve — https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1023805

North River Preserve is managed by the North Carolina Coastal Federation. This is an area of over 6,000 acres that is being restored from farmland to upland and lowland forest, freshwater and tidal wetlands, and open water and mudflats. The restoration effort provides excellent habitat for passerines, shorebirds and wintering ducks. Since access is limited to this property, take advantage of this opportunity to learn about habitat restoration efforts while birding once of the best hotspots in the area. The possibility of a rare bird is good! Travel time: 55 minutes. Difficulty: Easy—In and out of car several times. Facilities: None Cost: $5/person, payable at the gate by cash or check.

Trip 2,9,20 & 28: Fort Macon State Park — https://ebird.org/hotspot/L387768

The birdwatching at Fort Macon State Park is enriched by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, Newport River, Beaufort Inlet, and Fort Macon Creek, all facing the Morehead City Channel. Birds frequently fly over the park, moving to and from these nearby water bodies. Pelagic birds can occasionally be spotted near Shackleford Banks on the horizon or over the channels. Occasionally, catch a glimpse of a Common Eider or Great Cormorant. With such a diverse landscape, one never knows what delightful avian surprises may appear. Travel time: 25 minutes. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, with some unlevel ground and beach walking. Facilities: On-site.

Trip 4,11,22 & 30: Cedar Point Tideland Trail & Emerald Isle Woods Park

The Cedar Point Tideland Trail (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L579948) provides opportunities to view salt marsh and upland pine/hardwood-associated bird species. A combination of raised boardwalks and paths cross the marsh and pine/hardwood communities as the trail winds around along the edge of the White Oak River Estuary. Snags offer good chances to view woodpecker species, including Red-headed Woodpecker. The trail offers a nice view of the tidal marsh with opportunities to view herons, egrets, and Osprey.

At Emerald Isle Woods Park (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2153912), get a glimpse of how Emerald Isle must have looked when it was completely undeveloped, covered in dense trees. In total, the park stretches over 41 acres of forest. This is an under-birded area—who knows what surprise it may present! Travel time: 10 minutes. Difficulty: Easy with some boardwalk. Facilities: On-site.

Trip 5,12,23 & 31: Gallants Channel & Patsy Pond at Croatan National Forest

Trails at Gallants Channel (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L14406635) traverse woods, wetlands, coastal habitats, and the improved waterfront area of the Gallants Channel site. This area offers opportunities to see various wading birds and shorebirds along the waterfront, including herons, egrets, terns, gulls, pelicans, Black Skimmers, and American Oystercatchers. The trails have been designed to access several habitats.

Patsy Pond (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L741082) is part of the Croatan National Forest and winds through an open woodland of longleaf pine forest. Red-cockaded Woodpecker can be found here year-round. We will look for active cavity trees marked with blue bands. Travel time: 40 minutes. Difficulty: Easy. Facilities: Close by.

Trip 3,10,21 & 29: Calico Creek & Hoop Pole Natural Area

Calico Creek Boardwalk (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L983859) is a noted spot on the North Carolina Birding Trail and is a unique destination that's hidden among local houses and businesses. The boardwalk provides opportunities to see wintering waterfowl and water birds.

Hoop Pole Natural Area (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L606265) includes a 0.5-mile trail that follows Hoop Pole Creek out to Bogue Sound, passing through maritime forest for much of the walk and ending with views of coastal salt marsh. A variety of songbirds may be seen in the wooded areas—Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet are frequent. We will scan the creek and marsh areas for Northern Harrier, Osprey, Marsh Wren, and wading birds, and we will look and listen for rails. Travel time: 35 minutes. Difficulty: Easy. Facilities: Close by.

Trip 6: Shorebird ID Workshop and Field Birding

The shorebird workshop will focus on key characteristics, such as overall profiles, foraging behaviors, and habitat which can aid birders at all experience levels to quickly and confidently identify shorebirds to species. We will review all shorebird families, but our primary focus will be Charadriidae (plovers) and Scolopacidae (sandpipers). If you're interested in refining your "peep" identification skills, then please join me in this discussion-based workshop. Location: Hotel—off site field locations to be determined by the leader. Difficulty: Easy. Facilities: At the hotel.

Trip 25: Birding from Day 1 to Day 10,000 (Birding 101)

This is a trip for newer birders and those more experienced who want to gain tips for identifying birdlife. Use of binoculars and using bird shapes to home in on a species will allow you to feel comfortable using the field guide of your choice. Don't be surprised to learn long time birders must practice these skills too! Travel time: Dictated by the leader's choice of birding sites. Difficulty: Easy? Facilities: At the hotel.

Trip 14 & 33: Rachel Carson Reserve at High Tide — https://ebird.org/hotspot/L899138 & https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1273924

Take a short ride on an open boat to this unspoiled island just across the channel from Beaufort. More than 200 species of birds have been observed at the site, which is on the Atlantic Flyway and is an important feeding area for Piping Plovers and other wintering birds. Meet at the hotel then proceed to the Island Ferry Adventure at 610 Front Street on the waterfront in Beaufort. At the terminal use the restroom as there are no facilities available after this point. When we beach the boat for our 3-to-4-hour visit, expect a slim chance for water underfoot while getting ashore. If weather cancels the boat, alternate trips will be available on the mainland. We will plan our trip to coincide with high tide when the greatest concentration of shorebirds will be present. Travel time: 20 minutes. Difficulty: Moderate, with extensive walking, some on sand. Facilities: None. Cost: $20 for the Rachel Carson Ferry which has to be paid for at time of registration. The maximum number of attendees is 20.

Trip 13, 24 & 32: Oceanana Pier — Handicap Accessible — https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1068007

A scope is essential on this trip to scan the Atlantic for nearshore birds and occasional pelagic species that feast on the bounty of the ocean. If you don't have a scope, there should be plenty in the group. Your leader will scan the ocean with you as you watch the action for loons, grebes, scoters Razorbills, gannets, sea ducks, gulls, and hopefully a Dovekie or some shearwaters. No fee is required to access the pier. Travel time: 35 minutes. Difficulty: Easy. Handicap Accessible Facilities: Nearby

Trip 37: Search for Rarities: Attempts to relocate rarities that had been seen over the weekend.