The weary diamondback terrapin’s latest foe: Phragmites
throughout much of the Outer Banks, faces another foe: Phragmites
Be on the lookout for cold-stunned turtles this winter
The ocean and sound waters surrounding the Outer Banks play host to wintering sea turtles, especially young green turtles and Kemp’s ridley. Sea turtles...
Loggerheads and other nesters do well with a little help from...
This story has been updated
By Peter Vankevich
As the 2021 sea turtle nesting season winds down, it turns out to be a very good year...
Spotted on Ocracoke: The cannonball jellyfish
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By Peter Vankevich
In the last few weeks someone walking along Ocracoke’s beaches, especially at Springer’s...
Ocracoke’s seldom seen but much esteemed Atlantic ribbed mussels
By Pat Garber
Hidden among the roots and stems of Spartina Alterniflora (cordgrass) in Ocracoke's marshes live clusters of a little-known bivalve.
Atlantic ribbed mussels (Gaukensia...
Replanting the island to save Ocracoke for the future
By Pat Garber
When Hurricane Dorian devastated Ocracoke, flooding houses and cars and destroying yards, the number of trees that uprooted and broke was mind-boggling.
The...
Cold-stunned sea turtles rescued on Ocracoke
By Peter Vankevich
Jan. 27, 2020
The recent cold weather affected many sea turtles that are still in the waters surrounding the Outer Banks.
The Island Free...
Rare queen butterfly visits the Ocracoke Observer
By Peter Vankevich
The Ocracoke Observer newsroom has received its share of interesting visitors. Located on a dirt road near the lighthouse, it overlooks one...
Ocracoke’s frogs love a summer evening rainstorm
By Peter Vankevich
Photos by Jeff Beane
After spring and summer rains on Ocracoke, the nighttime frog symphony begins.
This phenomenon was noted in the May...