Osprey: The Coastal SeaHawk of the Carolina's

Ospreys are migratory Raptors that inhabit coastal estuaries and tidal creeks. One of the only hawks that eats primarily fish prey items. The Osprey uses a host of adaptations to catch fish in coastal waters. Osprey is equipped with amazing visual acuity, long and wide wings for thermal hovering,and special adaptations in their talons and pads.

Ospreys have two unique adaptations to their feet/talons to help them carry prey items from feeding ground to their nesting mate or to nearby branch to feed . To start, they have developed short, sharp spines on the bottom of their foot pad to help them grip fish in water. The other unique adaptation by the Osprey is the ability to grasp their fish prey with two talons facing forward and the third facing backwards, giving the Osprey a raptorial foot. This flexible third toe allows the Osprey to reposition the fish so that its head facing forward to be more streamline during flight. These two adaptations and its plunge-diving feeding behavior make the Osprey a prime coastal fish predator!

Shorebirds Are Coming

Today marks the first nest observation for American Oystercatcher on southeastern beaches.   7 distinct species of shorebird nest on barrier islands during the Months of April-July.  There nests are considered a scape in the sand, where eggs are laid directly into the depression.  The picture featured in this blog demonstrates both the depresson and the crpticly colored nature of the shorebird egg.

The take home message is that these nests are hard to see, and when walking on the beach make sure to tread lightly and look out for nesting activity.

yellow-crowned night heron eating a live crab!

yellow-crowned night heron eating a live crab! on Vimeo

Ever wonder what a yellow-crowned night heron might eat? We have uncovered proof.

enjoy!

Winter Birding Tour # 2

Today's sightings on the M/V Shamrock:CapefearNaturalist.com

Herring Gulls
Double Crested Cormorants
Ring-Billed Gulls
Black Back Gulls
Forster Terns
Great  Egret
Great Blue Herons
Canada Goose
Tricolored Heron* observed a group of eight in the marsh huddled near a oysterbed
White Ibis
American Oystercatchers*first sighting on 2012
Willet
Brown Pelican
Kingfisher
Killdeer
Common Loon
Western Sandpiper
Fish Crow

Birding Hutaff Island

Locally, in New Hanover County, there are few Island habitats left that are pristine in nature.  However, just east of Futch Creek, lies a 5 mile barrier Island complex, that is state protected, and Audubon managed, named Hutaff/Lea Island.  This Island is the last of its kind, boasting several species of breeding shorebird, including the threatened Piping Plover.  Considered by many to be the top shorebirding area in  the southeast, Hutaff provides users a unique opportunity to recreate on one of the last untouched barrier Island in Southeastern North Carolina

Cedar Waxwings Winter Migration

The sleek cedar waxwing have been numerous over the last two weeks in New hanover County. I have observed them in flocks of 30-60 flying into most often Cherry Laurel trees,which produces a black berry that the birds gorge themselves on.

The waxwing has a interesting high pitch whistle and in winter stay in tight flocks high in the canopy of the native fruit trees. Look out for them in your area, and be sure to notice the flashy yellow tip on the tail feathers.

Attached is a photo of a Ceder Waxwing through my binoculars,

keep birding,

Cape Fear Naturalist: Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours and Island Ferry Service

Cape Fear Naturalist: Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours and Island Ferry Service

Hey Everyone,

This is Newman with a quick update. Yesterday (Jan 7, 2012), I saw some Gannets.

WikiPedia Link for Gannet

There were several sitting in the water just beyond the shorebreak of Masonboro Island. They sort of reminded me of a skinny cormmorant but with distinctive black tipped wings.

I'm told they only arrive to the Carolina Coast in the Winter.

In other News, it didn't feel like winter yesterday here in Wilmington, NC - 70 degrees and blazing sun. I kayaked thru the Masonboro Inlet in my T-SHIRT! Also, we saw a huge pod of Atlantic Dolphin swimming and feeding in the lnet and ICW waterway. Viewing the creatures from the cockpit of a kayak makes you appreciate the SIZE of a dolphin - they are big. Several swam within two paddles lengths from me. Amazing!

cheers,
Newman