FORT MACON STATE PARK
      by Jerry Lotterhos

One of the most visited parks in North Carolina, this site has many attractions for the whole family. The still intact Fort was built in 1826-34 out of brick and stone to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor. It is a very interesting structure and is totally open to the public. The park opened in 1936. It is located near Atlantic Beach on the west side of Beaufort Inlet overlooking the inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. There are about 1.5 miles of beachfront to explore, but swimming here is dangerous due to the currents. Seeing the Fort, walking and sunning on the beach, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and photography are all great possibilities here. The visitors center offers exhibits, gifts, and videos of the Fort's history. For full information and history, click here.
     As a birder/photographer, the things that draw me here repeatedly is the diverse population of birds(302 species documented) that you can potentially see, and a few specific parts of the ecology that make bird photography fun and productive. First is the broad expanse of waterfront. Almost all species of shorebirds can be found here at some time and the beachfront offers quality shooting. But my favorite distinguishing characteristic of the park is the 3/4 mile trail( Dr. Elliot Coues Trail--Dr. Coues was a surgeon and ornithologist stationed at the Fort and studied the birds of the area. He wrote "Key to North American Birds" and other works)   that runs from the front of the Visitor Center around a small freshwater pond that is well protected by vegetation and is maintained as a wild area. There are open spots overlooking the pond where you can simply wait until birds(and other animals) come in for a drink since this is the prime fresh water source in this mostly brackish or salt water environment. This is true year round and the species vary month to month and even day to day in spring and fall migration. No matter the time of year, I have never been disappointed on a photo shoot here!! And, by the way, you are only a few minutes away from some of the greatest seafood known to man!! Check out Amos Mosquitos in Atlantic Beach and the Classic Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City. Don't miss this park if you are in the area.
   SEE A FEW OF MY PHOTOS FROM HERE IN THE SLIDESHOW>>>>

Beaufort Inlet Rock Jetty