PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
by Jerry Lotterhos
Located on the beautiful and primitive North Carolina Outer Banks, this refuge is primarily oriented to the support and management of waterfowl, but has a total of 325 bird species including geese and ducks, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and many fall and winter neotropical migrants. There are nesting areas for shorebirds and rookeries for wading birds. Additionally, there are several threatened or endangered species here, including the peregrine falcon, piping plover, and loggerhead sea turtle. The refuge was established in 1938 and has 5800 acres plus a much larger designated adjacent water area. There are 1000 acres of managed waterfowl impoundments.
It is located on Hwy.12 at the northern end of Hatteras Island, and 10 miles south of Nags Head, N.C..Known locally as the "Birder's Paradise", this place lives up to its reputation. While hard to get to for most, it is well worth the effort, especially if you like birds and photographing them in a truly wild and unique setting. The ocean, beach, and colorful marsh grass provide more photo challenges. I love the place and go as often as I can. There are always critters here, but the best time is October-April which includes the winter waterfowl bonanza and the fall and spring migrations. There is a 3-4 mile trail around the main impoundment. Most casual visitors start on the South side because it is close to the Refuge Office, so it can get pretty crowded at times. There is a parking space and trail entrance on the North side if you are a serious birder/photographer. There is a photo blind there as well Be sure to visit the gift shop which has the greatest selection of wildlife books you will find! Go to this link for more info and history.
SEE THE Picture Gallery Below.
It is located on Hwy.12 at the northern end of Hatteras Island, and 10 miles south of Nags Head, N.C..Known locally as the "Birder's Paradise", this place lives up to its reputation. While hard to get to for most, it is well worth the effort, especially if you like birds and photographing them in a truly wild and unique setting. The ocean, beach, and colorful marsh grass provide more photo challenges. I love the place and go as often as I can. There are always critters here, but the best time is October-April which includes the winter waterfowl bonanza and the fall and spring migrations. There is a 3-4 mile trail around the main impoundment. Most casual visitors start on the South side because it is close to the Refuge Office, so it can get pretty crowded at times. There is a parking space and trail entrance on the North side if you are a serious birder/photographer. There is a photo blind there as well Be sure to visit the gift shop which has the greatest selection of wildlife books you will find! Go to this link for more info and history.
SEE THE Picture Gallery Below.
