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 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...
Ocracoke nature: Avian Triptych
Vultures and gulls are scavengers and have a role in removing carrion from the ecosystem.
A Turkey Vulture is eating what appears to be...
An island home companion
Ocracoke does not have many nesting warbler species. One of these is the Prairie Warbler, an early arrival. Males, like the one above, are...
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...
Beach bird nesters have bad year, sea turtles faring well
An Oystercatcher parent and chick feed along Ocracoke beach. Photo by Amy Thompson
Peter Vankevich
The downward spiral in the spring nesting season on...
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...
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...
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...
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...