Oceanside

While I can't say things are winding down in North Carolina, the field season is certainly coming to a close. We're busier than ever, seeing lots of great birds, and even have a trip or two in the works. I also got my hands on a few great pictures taken by Matt and Lauren who spend spring, summer, and fall working on a few islands off the coast of Maine for the Project Puffin. Very cool.


The weather is warming up, and this means our Swamp Sparrows are beginning to migrate north toward their breeding ground. And so the bird banders will also part ways. After my first season of bird banding, I'm am sure there will be more. So before we close up the nets one last time, how 'bout more NC pics?

Here's one of a few Willets on a beach at the Outer Banks. We went a couple of weeks back and had a great, great day. The beaches were deserted, and the birds were out.

I'm planning a bike trip early next week from the southern Outer Banks up to Nags Head. I'll leave the refuge here, and take a ferry over the the southern point of the OBX. Then I'll cruise 30 miles the first day, and 45 the second. I'm excited to make one more trip out there. I'm just hoping that there isn't a strong wind coming from the north. It has potential to be a long 75 miles!

The picture above was taken just a few days ago. It's me and a tiny bird called a Yellowthroat. The picture below is a nice closeup taken by Matt. It was the first Yellowthroat we caught this season- they're great looking warblers.


I've been able to get out on the old bike when the weather's been warm. I always do a nice 20 mile ride on a highway that goes across Lake Mattamuskeet to a town nearby. Normally I hop off the bike once in a while to see what birds are around. Recently, in one ride, I saw: white pelicans, osprey, tree swallows, a bald eagle... and this turtle crossing the road! I put it there on the bike seat for a quick picture, and then placed the turtle near the woods.


So I have about 2 weeks left to soak up coastal NC. The Outer Banks bike tour is happening early next week. Then in April I'll make my way inland to Asheville, where I'll be visiting family and friends in what sounds like a pretty great town. Hope spring is on its way for everyone!