Page 15 - The Barefoot Guide (2019)

Shackleford’s interior holds remnants of the ancient maritime
forest that once flourished throughout the southern coastline.
Today, the twisted live oaks, sassafras and yaupon holly give
shelter and sustenance to a host of migrating songbirds,
including indigo bunting, veery, American redstart and gray
catbird. Shackleford Banks is also home to a herd of wild
“Banker” ponies, said to be descended from the equine
survivors of a shipwrecked Spanish galleon.

Back across Beaufort Inlet, Bogue Banks hosts its own avian
treasure trove. Unlike the isolated outpost of Shackleford
Banks, the seaside towns on Bogue Banks provide visiting
birders with plenty of food and lodging opportunities.
The birding can be excellent throughout the year, but it is
especially so during spring and fall migration, starting from
the ramparts at historic Fort Macon State Park at the east
end of the island. Impossibly colorful painted buntings can
often be found on the grounds of the park during the summer
breeding season, along with black-crowned night herons,
laughing gulls, willets and northern harriers (during the fall
and winter months).

At the other end of Bogue Banks, in the town of Emerald Isle,
lie the quiet trails winding through maritime forest at
Emerald Isle Woods Park. There are prime lookout points
atop the highest elevation on the island to observe the vast
saltwater marshes and oyster reefs of Bogue Sound, where
wading birds, like white ibises, tri-colored herons, snowy
egrets and American oystercatchers abound. The sound’s
watery maze of tidal creeks is a perfect place to explore in a
kayak, and birders who do so increase their odds of seeing
secretive species, like clapper rail and seaside sparrow.

Especially keen bird watchers will be interested in taking the
short trip to the mainland for a chance to see two very elusive
species amid the picturesque longleaf pine savannah found in
Croatan National Forest. The well-maintained hiking paths at
Patsy Pond Nature Trail are home to both the endangered
red-cockaded woodpecker and Bachman’s sparrow. Both
species are especially vocal and active during the morning
hours, so plan on an early start if you hope to add them to
your list.

People have been coming to Bogue Banks for generations to
enjoy the uniquely beautiful combination of sea and sound.
The birds have been doing the same thing for eons. For those
fortunate observers who find comfort in nature, there is much
to see and experience here — enjoy the quest.

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