Page 15 - The Barefoot Guide Catalogue (2018)

Great Blue Heron
Sea and surf, sand and sea oats; there Shackleford’s interior holds remnants of the migration, starting from the ramparts at
are precious few places left on earth like ancient maritime forest that once flourished historic Fort Macon State Park at the east
North Carolina’s Bogue Banks. A thin, throughout the southern coastline. Today, end of the island. Impossibly colorful painted
21-mile stretch of barrier island protecting the twisted live oaks, sassafras and yaupon buntings can often be found on the grounds
the mainland from the powerful Atlantic holly give shelter and sustenance to a host of the park during the summer breeding
Ocean, Bogue Banks is a mosaic of gin-clear of migrating songbirds, including indigo season, along with black-crowned night
waters, emerald green cord grass and some bunting, veery, American redstart and gray herons, laughing gulls, willets and northern
of the most celebrated beaches in the world. catbird. Shackleford Banks is also home to harriers (during the fall and winter months).
Rich in natural beauty and opportunity for a herd of wild “Banker” ponies, said to be
outdoor recreation and leisure, the island descended from the equine survivors of a At the other end of Bogue Banks, in the
is a cherished destination for adventure shipwrecked Spanish galleon. town of Emerald Isle, lie the quiet trails
seekers, family vacationers, anglers and winding through maritime forest at
artists. Bird watchers and nature lovers know Emerald Isle Woods Park. There are prime
it for the incredible diversity and abundant lookout points atop the highest elevation
flora and fauna that inhabit this spectacular on the island to observe the vast saltwater
stretch of coastline, where the land truly marshes and oyster reefs of Bogue Sound,
meets the sea. where wading birds, like white ibises,
tri-colored herons, snowy egrets and
It would be easily understandable for visiting American oystercatchers, abound.
birders to spend most of their time soaking The sound’s watery maze of tidal creeks
in the sun on the back deck of their vacation is a perfect place to explore in a kayak,
home and ticking off abundant backyard and birders who do so increase their odds
species like brown thrasher, common of seeing secretive species, like clapper rail
yellowthroat, yellow-rumped warbler, American and seaside sparrow.
robin, brown pelican and eastern bluebird, but
birders tend to be an adventuresome lot, and Especially keen bird watchers will be
here, that trait is rewarded. interested in taking the short trip to the
BIRDING The quest begins at Shackleford Banks. Just elusive species amid the picturesque
mainland for a chance to see two very
a short ferry ride from the coastal towns of
longleaf pine savannah found in Croatan
National Forest. The well-maintained hiking
Harkers Island, Beaufort and Morehead City,
to both the endangered red-cockaded
to several highly sought-after waterbirds and
Bogue Banks the island’s pristine coastal habitat is home paths at Patsy Pond Nature Trail are home
represents a critical nesting area for several
woodpecker and Bachman’s sparrow.
endangered species. Since the island is Both species are especially vocal and active
accessible only by boat, birders who wish to during the morning hours, so plan on
visit the island may do so by one of several an early start if you hope to add them to
ferry services or private charters. During your list.
spring and autumn, Shackleford’s expansive Back across Beaufort Inlet, Bogue Banks
soundside tidal flats are an important hosts its own avian treasure trove. Unlike People have been coming to Bogue Banks
stopover for migrating shorebirds, including the isolated outpost of Shackleford Banks, for generations to enjoy the uniquely
red knots, whimbrels and dunlin. The isolated the seaside towns on Bogue Banks provide beautiful combination of sea and sound. The
beaches are breeding territory for flocks of visiting birders with plenty of food and birds have been doing the same thing for
least terns and solitary nesters, such as lodging opportunities. The birding can eons. For those fortunate observers who find
Wilson’s plover, piping plovers and American be excellent throughout the year, but comfort in nature, there is much to see and
oystercatchers. it is especially so during spring and fall experience here — enjoy the quest.

Ibis Sanderling

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