Bird Watching
On The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is one of the best places to come for bird watching. If birding is one of your interests or if you are just starting the hobby, you will want to take the time to visit the inland waters and marshes around the Outer Banks. There have been over 300 different species of birds identified on and around these barrier islands. Click here for a list of birds identified on the Outer Banks You will see different types of water fowl, raptors (birds of prey), wading birds, shorebirds and migratory birds (depending on the time of year).
One of the best places for bird watching is at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.While visiting the refuge, you will have access to trails and observation platforms forbirding. A kayak or canoe is also a great way to tour the sound side of the refuge. A small boat will allow you to quietly paddle around the waterways, giving you more access to the birds. Of course, you will want to bring a pair of good quality binoculars or a spotting scope for those awesome close up views of the birds. You may even want to bring a lightweight tripod for those long viewing sessions. Bird photography is becoming even more popular with the availability of quality digital cameras. I am amazed at some of the wildlife pictures that are being taken by amateur photographers. Just about all you'll need is a good quality camera and some patience.
Jockey's Ridge State Park is another great place to watch for birds. The park offers a maritime forest that is home to a variety of wildlife and birds. An occasional sighting of an Osprey is just one of the birds that you will have an opportunity to see. If you go north to Corolla you will find the Currituck Heritage Park. This park is home to over 80 identified species of birds. You may want to take advantage of the boardwalk that will take you though the wetlands of the park, giving you easy access for viewing birds. So if you enjoy the outdoors and birding is one of your outdoor activities, you'll be glad that you made the Outer Banks your vacation spot this year. I hope this is helpful in getting you started on your quest of viewing and photographing the birds of the Outer Banks. Have a great time bird watching.
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