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...
Alien in the waters of Ocracoke: The Octopus
By Pat Garber
It was another daring prison escape.
Lounging in my Ocracoke window seat and listening to NPR one recent morning, I was intrigued.
The escapee,...