(Note: All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.)
My mother and I went to Dare and Hyde Counties in NC this week for a few days of dedicated birding. While I won’t recount each day’s events I do want to touch on some highlights of the trip. Of considerable note is the generosity and kindness of fellow birders. Everyone we met and talked with was polite and forthcoming with tips; even if just to chat about what was seen for the day.
Day 1:
Pungo Lake: We attempted to go to the Pocosin Lakes NWR Pungo Lake unit and were unable to find a feasible entry. A detour is in effect along Hwy 99/45. After evaluating road conditions and going around the detour we decided to instead continue on to Lake Matamuskeet NWR. I have heard great things about Pungo Lake, so I will resolve to visit soon.
Lake Mattamuskeet NWR (Wildlife Drive): Due to the detour from Hwy 99/45 we approached the refuge via State Rd. 1304 and saw many Belted Kingfishers along the power lines. The clouds parted for a few minutes offering some exceptionally well lit Tundra Swans. For the most of our visit the weather was chilly and overcast. By far, the most abundant species was the Northern Pintail. Along Hwy 94 we noticed a photo blind about half a mile south of the wildlife drive start. We visited here on our way out of the refuge and were surprised to find it to be a good vantage point. The scarcity of foliage allowed many of the nearby ducks to see us as we walked up. By time we reached the blind all but the coots were left in the vicinity.
Northern Pintail
Lake Mattamuskeet NWR
Dec. 2016
Northern Pintail
Lake Mattamuskeet NWR
Dec. 2016
Belted Kingfisher
Lake Mattamuskeet NWR
Dec. 2016
Tundra Swan
Lake Mattamuskeet NWR
Dec. 2016
Alligator River NWR:
This was my first visit during this time of year. The impoundments were flooded and much of the waterfowl were far back away from the wildlife drive. It must have been the “Day of the Kingfisher” as we saw more than a dozen during the entire day! I’m a little disappointed that my photo of the Kestrel was not quite all in focus.
Belted Kingfisher
Alligator NWR
Dec. 2016
American Kestrel
Alligator River NWR
Dec. 2016
Pea Island NWR: We left home early enough that we still had enough daylight to pop down to Pea Island NWR. Our first stop was the Old Coast Guard Station in hopes of finding Purple Sandpipers. In the end, no Sandpipers but a Willet did make an appearance. We continued south to the North Pond Wildlife Trail. Despite that we were losing light fast, I am rather pleased with a series featuring a White Ibis in flight. One of the shots I have included below.
Willet
Pea Island NWR
Dec. 2016
Willet
Pea Island NWR
Dec. 2016
Willet
Pea Island NWR
Dec. 2016
White Ibis
Pea Island NWR
Dec. 2016