Land of the Wild Goose

Currituck, named for “land of the wild goose” is the perfect bird watching paradise! There are over 400 species of birds and a large variety of habitat to choose from. Currituck Sound’s shoreline is comprised of brackish water marshes and occasionally, mud flats that have been exposed by wind tides as well as a few forested islands. Various types of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, mammals (including feral horses), reptiles, and amphibians common to the eastern United States, are found in the area.Vegetation within these diverse habitat types include various types of beach grasses, live oak, loblolly pine, wax myrtle, cattails, sedges and rushes, black needle rush and giant cord grassCome expecting to see an abundance of different species of birds, such as the Northern Cardinal, the brilliant red state bird of NC, as well as the Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Great Yellowlegs, Canada Geese, Double- crested Cormorant, Osprey, Snowy Egret, and hundreds more.

Migration – The Outer Banks plays rest area to thousands of migrating birds a year, making it a crucial factor in many species’ continued existence. Over the decades, birders have reported sightings of some 400 different bird species in the area. Fall and spring see the most migratory fowl, and hence, the largest bird counts of the year.The big excitement comes in the winter with the migration of waterfowl. Many thousands of birds, including Tundra Swans, Snow Geese and other popular species crowd the airways and waterways all along the coast.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla offers continuous lessons on birding and their habitats. They offer free birding classes that are opened to the general public to anyone ages 14 and over. For those willing to wake early, there is a beginner’s class that focuses on basic techniques of birding, identification, and behaviors of local and migratory species commonly found in the Northern Outer Banks . For more information go to The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education website at www.ncpaws.org/reservations/corolla/CalendarView.aspx

Wings over Water – November is the perfect time to visit the Currituck Outer Banks and take part in “Wings over Water” an annual event that occurs every year in early November offering an incredible assortment of ways to experience the wildness and uniqueness of the area. Over 100 field trips take participants to places few people visit. Whether you enjoy birding, paddling, or general natural history-oriented programs, there’s a variety of activities for you! Check out details of Wings over Water. www.wingsoverwater.org/

Until Next Time We Are
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Todays blog was posted by Karen Gregory

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Land of the Wild Goose

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