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

Red Tail Hawk in Winter

Hey Birders,

Came across a Red Tail Hawk perched in a locust tree.  The lighting was great, the winter plumage contrasted with the vibrant red tail.  This hawk feeds primarily on ground squirrels and rodents.  Here in the tree the hawk surveyed the hill in front, then after about 10 minutes  flew north.

keep birderingfile://localhost/Users/robertabbate/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2011/Dec%2030,%202011/IMG_0509.jpg

Common Loons at Wrightsville Beach

Hi Birders,
just upload a short video of a pair of common loons foraging a Wrightsville beach's Bank Channel.  The loon's migrate from the New England area to the southeastern North Carolina.  I observed 15 pairs of Common Loon birding trip last week behind Masonboro Island.  Interestingly, the loons will change their diets from freshwater fish in summer to saline fish species in winter. 

Enjoy

Channeled Whelk ,A North Carolina Favorite

Dear Birders,

Found this Channeled Whelk after hurricane Irene on Topsail Island, after a day of birding the southend.

This whelk is a voracious predator endemic to North Carolina,Florida. Found in the intertidal zone, and known to be nocturnal predator of clams. Notice the beautiful whorls and the smooth texture of the shell. 

Wrightsville Beach Jellies

Here you are seeing the moon jelly fish and the cabbage jelly.  Very different species occupying the same water column.  The moon jelly has stinging tentacles while the Cabbage is relatively harmless.  The tide is going out  and the jellies got stranded on the soundside of Wrightsville Beach.