Birds of Ocracoke: The Red-breasted Nuthatch, an irruptive fella
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By Peter Vankevich
Starting in the early fall and into the early spring, on...
Birds of Ocracoke: The American Bittern, a solitary soul
By Peter Vankevich
The American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is one of the more interesting avian fall/winter visitors to Ocracoke.
A member of the heron family,...
Birds of Ocracoke: The Purple Sandpiper
By Peter Vankevich
One might shiver just by thinking about the habitats of the Purple Sandpiper, a rare bird on Ocracoke’s shores.
A handsome, chunky shorebird,...
Snowy Owl returns to Ocracoke
Note: If you search for this owl, keep a distance so as not to spook it causing it to fly away. These photos were...
Ocracoke and Portsmouth Christmas Bird Counts take place despite pandemic
By Peter Vankevich
Conducting outdoor bird censuses at the end of December can be a challenge, normally due to the specter of horrible weather....
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...
Birds of Ocracoke: Cooper’s Hawk
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By Peter Vankevich
From fall into winter is the best time to see hawks...
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...
Surveying waterbirds during a pandemic
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By Peter Vankevich
Well-conducted bird surveys help scientists learn if bird species in an area...
Ocracoke and Sable islands: Kindred spirits with shipwrecks, horses and a...
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Note: While preparing a Birds of Ocracoke profile on the Savannah “Ipswich” Sparrow, a...