Ocracoke nature: Avian Triptych

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Vultures and gulls are scavengers and have a role in removing carrion from the ecosystem.  A Turkey Vulture is eating what appears to be...

Portsmouth and Ocracoke Christmas Bird Counts shed light on birds present...

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By Peter Vankevich Following a long tradition, the Portsmouth Island and Ocracoke Christmas Bird Counts took place on the last two days of the year....

Large numbers of sick and dead birds appearing on Outer Banks...

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By Peter Vankevich Sightings of sick and dying birds on the Outer Banks and islands in the Pamlico Sound are pointing to a major outbreak...

A mighty mariner: The Great Shearwater

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By Peter Vankevich When you talk about amazing animals, consider adding the Great Shearwater to the mix. They can fly between waves of 40 feet...

Beach bird nesters have bad year, sea turtles faring well

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An Oystercatcher parent and chick feed along Ocracoke beach. Photo by Amy Thompson Peter Vankevich The downward spiral in the spring nesting season on...

Birds of Ocracoke: The Least Tern, resilient and feisty

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Sometimes called a sea swallow, the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) has a graceful, fast, buoyant flight pattern with rapid wing beats.

An island home companion

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Ocracoke does not have many nesting warbler species. One of these is the Prairie Warbler, an early arrival. Males, like the one above, are...

Snowy Owl visits Ocracoke briefly

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Note: If anyone is fortunate enough to see a Snowy Owl, be sure to keep a safe distance so that it is not disturbed. By...

Red Knots and Northern Gannets highlight the Ocracoke Christmas Bird Count

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This story has been updated, Jan. 26 By Connie Leinbach and Peter Vankevich The hunt was on for all kinds of birds on Ocracoke as dozens...

Christmas bird counts set for Ocracoke and Portsmouth

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Following tradition, the Ocracoke and Portsmouth Island Christmas Bird Counts will be held on the last days of the year, with Portsmouth on Dec. 30 and Ocracoke on Dec. 31, 2021.