Flora and Fauna

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

This is a supplement to an earlier feature on the nesting success of sea turtles. By Peter Vankevich Worldwide, there are only seven species of...

throughout much of the Outer Banks, faces another foe: Phragmites

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...

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...

To read more Ocracoke nature articles, click here By Peter Vankevich In the last few weeks someone walking along Ocracoke’s beaches, especially at Springer’s...

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...

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...

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...

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...