Date: 12/15/25 6:45 am From: <sshultz...> Subject: NC Outer Banks Dec 13-14
Members of the Carolina Bird Club visited the northern Outer Banks and Alligator River NWR this past weekend (December 13-14) on our almost-annual "bonus trip", enjoying the splendor of North Carolina's wintertime coastal birdlife. Weather conditions were typical of December, which is say variable. Saturday was almost too nice, with calm ocean (one could have waterskied on it) warm temperatures and essentially no wind. Sunday started partly cloudy and reasonably warm, but a fast-moving arctic front soon brought steady rain, wind, and falling temperatures.
We found the expected birds in expected places, although no truly rare species found their way onto our lists. Notable was the influx of Common Eiders, with one a Jennette's Pier, an impressive four at the tip of the Oregon Inlet groin, and two more at Bonner Bridge. A number of participants independently enjoyed the "singing" saw-whet owl reported from the area. We watched Clapper Rails swim, Bufflehead buffle, Snow Geese channel snow, and an Orange-crowned Warbler steadfastly refuse to show any suggestion of orange.
Weather conditions were perfect on Saturday (i.e. no wind) to try for maritime sparrows on Pea Island/Hatteras Island, and we enjoyed looks at all three (Seaside, Nelson's and Saltmarsh) along with Sedge and Marsh Wrens. Low tide meant finding the birds was a touch challenging, but just getting a calm day in December made the trek worthwhile.
Waterfowl numbers at Pea Island NWR were typical for this time of year. That is to say that the variety and numbers of ducks were good, but lower than end of November and early December, likely due to birds dispersing away from the refuge as food stocks are depleted. For example, the thousands of Northern Pintail there early in the season have moved on, and multiple hundreds of wigeon are reduced to scatterings. But diving ducks often use the refuge ponds for loafing, and those departed pintails and baldpates have been replaced with thousands of Redhead and numbers of scap. The Redhead feed in Pamlico Sound and then stream into New Field and South Ponds at PINWR to rest. The sight of so many birds impresses, especially when in flight, as happens if a marauding eagle, Peregrine, or black-backed gull strafes the flocks.
Sunday morning offered just a brief window of birdable weather, but it was mammals that stole the show. Two Red Wolves along Milltail provided "lifer looks" for many, and a quite large bear in the big corn field near the dump put an exclamation point on the "wildlife drive".
While our bonus trip offerings accommodate small group birding, the Carolina Bird Club plans to hold the winter 2026 meeting in the same area at the end of January. Registration is open now, and details can be found at The Carolina Bird Club <https://www.carolinabirdclub.org/>
Finally, a public service message on Jennette's Pier, a popular oceanwatching spot in Nags Head. The pier requires periodic maintenance, and this is usually done in the "off season" for fishing and pier ambulation. In other words, now. The seaward portion, including the "shelter", is currently closed for reconstruction, so birders cannot access the end. I heard someone mention that over the next weeks/months that the decking will also be replaced, so portions (or all) of the pier may be closed. If you are heading out for the beach with hopes of seawatching from this pier, check in advance for closures.
Stay toasty!
Steve Shultz
Apex NC (where "our" Orange-crowned Warbler also refuses to show any orange, but is quite happy to have a heated hummingbird feeder at its disposal this morning)
