Outer Banks Bird News

The Humane Society hopes the reward money will bring in some new leads on a case that been ongoing for several years. More pelicans have washed up around Oak Island recently with broken left wings that appeared to have been snapped over the side of a boat or over a knee. An official with the Seabiscuit Wildlife Shelter says the birds were in such bad condition they had to be put down. The illegal actions were first detected about 2 years ago.

"A Winter Day - Lake Mattamuskeet" and "A Winter Day - Pungo Lake" filmed by Emily and Blake Scott of STRS Productions in Washington, North Carolina features flocks of waterfowl and wildlife to music without narration. The Pungo Lake film shows thousands of frightened snow geese taking flight as a NAVY helicopter hovers over the lake. Emily Scott, filming the scene thought the military helicopter was going down. The film has been used as a rallying point for those opposed to the military building any airfield near wetlands in northeastern eastern North Carolina.
Also see motorcycle ride around Lake Mattamuskeet

A Currituck County official and some residents are reported to believe a recent increase in Navy Jet flyovers of Camden and Currituck counties and their resultant sonic boom noise is an attempt to scare waterfowl and other birds out of the Hales Lake area prior to a planned bird study of the area. The study and its favorable outcome is one of several requirements that must be met before the Navy Training airstrip can be built there. Sonic air noise and vibrations have been reported by Outer Banks residents living as faraway as Hatteras Island.
Also see: Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare, says the Navy’s study is unnecessary because no one in the region wants what the study is designed to facilitate: construction of the Navy’s proposed outlying landing field in Hales Lake. go to article

According to the Southern Environmental Law Center web site, the bill, seeks to subvert a previous consent decree for ORV management at Cape Hatteras National Seashore that was agreed to as “fair and just” by all parties -- including ORV enthusiasts and Dare County officials before U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle on April 30, 2008. In addition, the center alleges the proposed legislation doesn’t respect the resolution of a lawsuit by unanimous agreement and endorsed by federal court and promotes the interests of a small but vocal minority that seek to turn the national park beaches into roadways and parking lots without consideration of pedestrian and wildlife needs.

On April 14, 2009, National Park Service officials spotted American Oystercatcher breeding behavior approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44 on Hatteras Island along the shoreline. The width of the beach is narrow in this area and the required court consent decree buffer of 150-meters to the north and south resulted in a full beach closure, blocking off road vehicle access to Cape Point.

Almost 40% of bird species dependent on U.S. oceans have declined in population

A recent study by members of the zoology department at North Carolina State University showed a direct relationship between beach driving and mortality rates of the American oystercatchers, a federally protected species of bird that nests on the shores of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The birds are members of one of the species involved in a recent lawsuit filed concerning beach driving on Hatteras Island.

According to data compiled by the Zoological Society of London, populations of land-based species fell by 25%, marine by 28% and freshwater by 29%. “Humans are wiping out about 1% of all other species every year, and one of the "great extinction episodes" in the Earth history is presently under way according to the society. Pollution, over-fishing, hunting farming and urban expansion were blamed.

Called the Important Bird Area, or IBA, the program and coordinated by the National Audubon Society, the program helps identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. Once an area is selected, priorities are set for habitat conservation based on science and by promoting positive action to safeguard vital bird habitats. Programs inventories of an area provide a scientific method for prioritizing conservation activities and allocating limited conservation dollars to be used to ensure the maximum benefit to birds.

Totals from the 2008 Great Backyard Bird Count for the following Dare County towns are in. Kitty Hawk , Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Buxton, Corolla, Avon, Hatteras Also check out the total count for North Carolina

According to a survey coordinated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Black skimmers, gull-billed terns and common terns continue to show dramatic declines in population numbers mostly due to habitat loss and degradation from coastal development and associated human activities. Full article

Sixteen Outer Banks bird enthusiasts came together on Saturday night, December 15 after a day of watching and counting birds for the annual Kitty Hawk Christmas bird count. Meeting inside the Kill Devil Hills public library after a long, overcast day of blistering 20-30 mph north east winds, count compiler Jeff Lewis of the Carolina Bird Club collected each individual’s day-long count and thoughts for the day. Twelve counters were unable to attend the meeting and called their numbers in to Jeff. The count was sponsored by the Audubon society. Highlights of the day included a total of 116 different species of birds spotted in the area. A rare European bird called a Little Gull was spotted by one lucky watcher. In addition, a Clay Colored Sparrow and Black and White Warbler were also spotted during this year’s count. Both bird species are normally much further south at this time of the year. Final results of the count will be posted at a later date.

A Blue Grosbeak was spotted in Kitty Hawk on Saturday, May 5. Its normal diet includes insects as well as seeds.

Watch this video of Ruby Throated
Hummingbirds being hand fed

Each fall large numbers of Whistling Swans arrive from the Artic tundra and winter in the fresh water ponds and surrounding marshes on Pea Island. This year the White Pelican is an unexpected visitor. Normally spotted only in California, Texas or Florida, they can be seen in large numbers on the fresh water pond near the Visitor’s Center.
A flock of migrating White Pelicans is a majestic sight, with wing spans of up to 8 feet. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water where they seize the fish in their large pouched bills.
In just one afternoon dozens of species can be seen including, Bufflehead Duck, Wood Duck, American Coots, American Wigeon, Common Merganser, White Ibis, Louisiana Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Pelican and Brown Pelican, Least Grebe, Common Loon and many others.

Jim Tribble of Kitty Hawk sent in these wonderful photos of a woman hand feeding Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Apparently she lives in a Hummingbird migrating fly zone and during migration season about 20 of them flew into her yard. Just for a lark, she took the little red dish and filled it with sugar water and holding it in her hands this was the results.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird spends its summers in the eastern US. During the late fall they fly across the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and Central America where they spend the coldest winter months. A few have been known stay in our area during the winter, probably because of old age or lack of maturity.
These birds require frequent feeding while active and during migration to keep up their energy levels. Due to their small size, they are vulnerable to insect-eating birds and animals. This is the only hummingbird that is commonly found in eastern North Carolina.

Painted Bunting spotted in Manteo

Painted Buntings breed south of here, approx Morehead City area and South. These beautiful birds are not endangered, but are on the "Watch List" meaning they are declining and are a species of some concern. Here on the Outer Banks, we have a few some (most?) winters. For those people interested in attracting these birds to their yards remember that they need dense cover (shrubs and tangles) in which to hide and they prefer white millet to eat. This is my second year of entertaining Painted Buntings at my house and I have never seen them eat anything but millet! The adult males are unmistakable (even gaudy) and are readily noticed even though they are fairly secretive. The immature males and females are a nondescript green and can be easily overlooked so keep a sharp eye out! I am interested in the prevalence of these birds on the Outer Banks; if anyone in the area currently has Painted Buntings coming to their feeders and doesn't mind sharing that information, please contact me at 473-1086 or e-mail ....... Jeff Lewis

If you have an interesting story or picture that you would like to share with our viewers, please contact our staff.

outerbanksfreepress.com

	Birds on the Outer Banks
	Kitty Hawk Bird Feenzy 2.24.10
Krahe Art Print Hurzlmeier, Rudi Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted Cranes Art Print Korin, Ogata Buy at AllPosters.com Island Java II Art Print Lee, Alma Buy at AllPosters.com Select Committee Art Print Stacy-Marks, H. Buy at AllPosters.com Osprey Perched at Sunset on Abelmarle Sound, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, USA Photographic Print Frazier, David R. Buy at AllPosters.com Flamingoes Art Print Peterson, Roger... Buy at AllPosters.com European Bee Eater Perched on a Branch Stretching its Wings Photographic Print Nigge, Klaus Buy at AllPosters.com		Parrot Family Art Print Gockel, Alfred Buy at AllPosters.com obxyoga.net Buy at AllPosters.com Fowl with Pearls Art Print Sowa, Michael Buy at AllPosters.com Gramophone Art Print Bombled, Charles Buy at AllPosters.com Back Water Art Print Hansel, Jim Buy at AllPosters.com Bird of Happiness Art Print Grigg, Carol Buy at AllPosters.com State Birds of the United States Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com European Bee Eater Perched on a Branch Stretching its Wings Photographic Print Nigge, Klaus Buy at AllPosters.com Gulls Flying Over Beach, Ocracoke Island, NC Photographic Print Fox, Martin Buy at AllPosters.com

	Great Backyard Bird Count Set for February 12-15, 2010
	11,550,200 individual birds from 619 species spotted in 2009 ..2009 results
	North Carolina’s State Parks Make 2010 “Year of the Birds.”

	Populations of Northern Bobwhites Down 82 % in Past 40 years..............

	Humane Society Offering $2500 Reward for Info Leading to the Arrest of Individuals Suspected of Intentionally Breaking the Wings of Pelicans
	The Humane Society hopes the reward money will bring in some new leads on a case that been ongoing for several years. More pelicans have washed up around Oak Island recently with broken left wings that appeared to have been snapped over the side of a boat or over a knee. An official with the Seabiscuit Wildlife Shelter says the birds were in such bad condition they had to be put down. The illegal actions were first detected about 2 years ago.

	Pungo and Mattamuskeet Waterfowl Films Earn 25 Awards. Attracts Focus of Attempts to Oppose Military Airfields in Wildlife Areas
	"A Winter Day - Lake Mattamuskeet" and "A Winter Day - Pungo Lake" filmed by Emily and Blake Scott of STRS Productions in Washington, North Carolina features flocks of waterfowl and wildlife to music without narration. The Pungo Lake film shows thousands of frightened snow geese taking flight as a NAVY helicopter hovers over the lake. Emily Scott, filming the scene thought the military helicopter was going down. The film has been used as a rallying point for those opposed to the military building any airfield near wetlands in northeastern eastern North Carolina. Also see motorcycle ride around Lake Mattamuskeet

	Willett with Sandflea.. Photo by Ray Midgett

	Picture can be purchased framed at the Christmas Shop, Hemmingway Gallery and Sugar Creek Restaurant.........

	Currituck Official Believes Recent Jet Noise over OBX Area was Navy Jets Scaring Birds from Planned Navy Training Field Site Prior to Study
	A Currituck County official and some residents are reported to believe a recent increase in Navy Jet flyovers of Camden and Currituck counties and their resultant sonic boom noise is an attempt to scare waterfowl and other birds out of the Hales Lake area prior to a planned bird study of the area. The study and its favorable outcome is one of several requirements that must be met before the Navy Training airstrip can be built there. Sonic air noise and vibrations have been reported by Outer Banks residents living as faraway as Hatteras Island. Also see: Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare, says the Navy’s study is unnecessary because no one in the region wants what the study is designed to facilitate: construction of the Navy’s proposed outlying landing field in Hales Lake. go to article

	North Carolina Senators Re-Introduce Bill to Weaken National Park Protections for Seashore Wildlife and Visitors..........

	According to the Southern Environmental Law Center web site, the bill, seeks to subvert a previous consent decree for ORV management at Cape Hatteras National Seashore that was agreed to as “fair and just” by all parties -- including ORV enthusiasts and Dare County officials before U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle on April 30, 2008. In addition, the center alleges the proposed legislation doesn’t respect the resolution of a lawsuit by unanimous agreement and endorsed by federal court and promotes the interests of a small but vocal minority that seek to turn the national park beaches into roadways and parking lots without consideration of pedestrian and wildlife needs.
	New Study Indicates Mysterious Bird Deaths around the World may have been caused by lack of the Vitamin Thiamine.......

	Cape Point Closed to Off Road Vehicles to Protect American Oystercatcher Nest Site
	On April 14, 2009, National Park Service officials spotted American Oystercatcher breeding behavior approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44 on Hatteras Island along the shoreline. The width of the beach is narrow in this area and the required court consent decree buffer of 150-meters to the north and south resulted in a full beach closure, blocking off road vehicle access to Cape Point.

	Declining World Bird Populations Over the Past 40 Years Could be an Early Warning Sign of an Endangered Planetary Ecosystem....

	Latest Bird Count Reveals Decline in North Carolina Bird Populations
	Almost 40% of bird species dependent on U.S. oceans have declined in population

	Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend Bird Food Contaminated with Salmonella Company Orders Recall.......................

	The Story of the Christmas Bird Count on Portsmouth Island, 2008............

	New Study Links Off Road Beach Driving to Oystercatcher Deaths

	A recent study by members of the zoology department at North Carolina State University showed a direct relationship between beach driving and mortality rates of the American oystercatchers, a federally protected species of bird that nests on the shores of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The birds are members of one of the species involved in a recent lawsuit filed concerning beach driving on Hatteras Island.

	More Than 25% of the Wildlife on Earth has Disappeared Since 1970
	According to data compiled by the Zoological Society of London, populations of land-based species fell by 25%, marine by 28% and freshwater by 29%. “Humans are wiping out about 1% of all other species every year, and one of the "great extinction episodes" in the Earth history is presently under way according to the society. Pollution, over-fishing, hunting farming and urban expansion were blamed.

	New Program Helps Identify and Conserve Areas that are Vital to Endangered Birds
	Called the Important Bird Area, or IBA, the program and coordinated by the National Audubon Society, the program helps identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. Once an area is selected, priorities are set for habitat conservation based on science and by promoting positive action to safeguard vital bird habitats. Programs inventories of an area provide a scientific method for prioritizing conservation activities and allocating limited conservation dollars to be used to ensure the maximum benefit to birds.

	2008 Great Backyard Bird Count Results
	Totals from the 2008 Great Backyard Bird Count for the following Dare County towns are in. Kitty Hawk , Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Buxton, Corolla, Avon, Hatteras Also check out the total count for North Carolina

	Water Bird Populations Declining Along North Carolina Coastline
	According to a survey coordinated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Black skimmers, gull-billed terns and common terns continue to show dramatic declines in population numbers mostly due to habitat loss and degradation from coastal development and associated human activities. Full article

	2007-2008 Kitty Hawk Christmas Bird Count

	Carolina Bird Club Members and friends adding up the day's count
	Sixteen Outer Banks bird enthusiasts came together on Saturday night, December 15 after a day of watching and counting birds for the annual Kitty Hawk Christmas bird count. Meeting inside the Kill Devil Hills public library after a long, overcast day of blistering 20-30 mph north east winds, count compiler Jeff Lewis of the Carolina Bird Club collected each individual’s day-long count and thoughts for the day. Twelve counters were unable to attend the meeting and called their numbers in to Jeff. The count was sponsored by the Audubon society. Highlights of the day included a total of 116 different species of birds spotted in the area. A rare European bird called a Little Gull was spotted by one lucky watcher. In addition, a Clay Colored Sparrow and Black and White Warbler were also spotted during this year’s count. Both bird species are normally much further south at this time of the year. Final results of the count will be posted at a later date.
	Blue Grosbeak

	A Blue Grosbeak was spotted in Kitty Hawk on Saturday, May 5. Its normal diet includes insects as well as seeds.
	Conservation Groups Warn that 56 Species of Birds threatened with Extinction in State
	Check Out the Latest Waterfowl Migration Report
	Eastern Screech Owl Spotted at Lake Phelps

Submitted by Jeff Lewis

The Red Finch
Hand Fed Hummingbird

Watch this video of Ruby Throated Hummingbirds being hand fed
Outer Banks Eagle Photographed by Jeff Lewis

Pea Island December 2006
Each fall large numbers of Whistling Swans arrive from the Artic tundra and winter in the fresh water ponds and surrounding marshes on Pea Island. This year the White Pelican is an unexpected visitor. Normally spotted only in California, Texas or Florida, they can be seen in large numbers on the fresh water pond near the Visitor’s Center. A flock of migrating White Pelicans is a majestic sight, with wing spans of up to 8 feet. They often capture fish cooperatively, forming a long line, beating their wings and driving the prey into shallow water where they seize the fish in their large pouched bills. In just one afternoon dozens of species can be seen including, Bufflehead Duck, Wood Duck, American Coots, American Wigeon, Common Merganser, White Ibis, Louisiana Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Pelican and Brown Pelican, Least Grebe, Common Loon and many others.

Swans at Pea Island 12/27/06 ...R Jarrell

Brown Pelican Landing at Pea Island. Check out the metal band around the leg. 12/27/06...R Jarrell

Swans, Greb and Ducks

Whistling Swans wind surfing.

Female Bufflehead Duck

The wing span of a White Pelican can reach 8 feet.

White Ibis Posing for Camera at Pea Island 12/27/06...R Jarrell

Woman Feeds Hummingbirds by Hand
Jim Tribble of Kitty Hawk sent in these wonderful photos of a woman hand feeding Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Apparently she lives in a Hummingbird migrating fly zone and during migration season about 20 of them flew into her yard. Just for a lark, she took the little red dish and filled it with sugar water and holding it in her hands this was the results. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird spends its summers in the eastern US. During the late fall they fly across the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and Central America where they spend the coldest winter months. A few have been known stay in our area during the winter, probably because of old age or lack of maturity. These birds require frequent feeding while active and during migration to keep up their energy levels. Due to their small size, they are vulnerable to insect-eating birds and animals. This is the only hummingbird that is commonly found in eastern North Carolina.
Birds of Prey I Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com		Cardinal Grosbeak Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted



Brown Pelican *Photo by Jeff Lewis*

	Egrets on Monkey Island. Photo by Linda Craney	Snowy Heron or White Egret Giclee Print Buy at AllPosters.com

	Read about the entangled Egret that was rescued by Kayakers in Kitty Hawk

	Eagles in Kitty Hawk March 13, 2006. Photo by Reeni Jarrell



Welcome Back Home!


Egret in a Kitty Hawk Canal 7/16/05
	Eagle Poster Buy at AllPosters.com	Dance of Cranes Art Print Morita, Haruyo Buy at AllPosters.com
Watch this Bluebird Opera in Kitty Hawk Pictures by Maureen Jarrell
Let the show begin !
Moma has a brand new gig ! Building a nest for her young. First, it's off to find some construction materials. These pine needles look good.
Now, it's back to the nest with the building supplies.
Watch this landing !
Now, let me show you how to get in !
It's a squeeze but the babies will be safe !
That was so much fun that I think I have to do it again.
Off to find more supplies, maybe get something to eat while i'm out!
Dad comes over to check moms progress and is told to get some groceries!
Bringing Home the Bacon !

	Rufous Hummingbird source

	Painted Bunting spotted in Manteo
photo by Jeff Lewis
Painted Buntings breed south of here, approx Morehead City area and South. These beautiful birds are not endangered, but are on the "Watch List" meaning they are declining and are a species of some concern. Here on the Outer Banks, we have a few some (most?) winters. For those people interested in attracting these birds to their yards remember that they need dense cover (shrubs and tangles) in which to hide and they prefer white millet to eat. This is my second year of entertaining Painted Buntings at my house and I have never seen them eat anything but millet! The adult males are unmistakable (even gaudy) and are readily noticed even though they are fairly secretive. The immature males and females are a nondescript green and can be easily overlooked so keep a sharp eye out! I am interested in the prevalence of these birds on the Outer Banks; if anyone in the area currently has Painted Buntings coming to their feeders and doesn't mind sharing that information, please contact me at 473-1086 or e-mail ....... Jeff Lewis

	If you have an interesting story or picture that you would like to share with our viewers, please contact our staff.




	Outer Banks Stories
www.outerbanksfreepress.com