American White Pelicans - Photo by Catherine Johnson
Thumbnail Photo - Razorbill by Will Frye
Make plans to join us for the VSO’s Winter field trip at the Outer Banks of North Carolina February 2-4! The weekend’s leaders include Bill Akers and Jerry Via, as well as VSO field trip co-chairs Lee Adams and Meredith Bell. We always have a great variety of birds—and often a few surprise species, too—no matter what the weather.
VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2024 or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here.
TRIP REGISTRATION
Please register online HERE.
On the form, you’ll select your preference for the Friday trips (see options below).
HEADQUARTERS
The Comfort Inn South Oceanfront in Nags Head is again the trip headquarters. There’s a huge deck off the second floor, which offers great beach-viewing opportunities. The special VSO room rate is $79 for oceanfront and $66 for bay-view (plus tax). Ocean front rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Contact information for the hotel is: Phone: 252-441-6315; 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC 27959. Reservations must be made by January 1, 2024, to get the special VSO rate.
MEALS
A complimentary breakfast buffet breakfast is included with your stay, beginning each morning at 6:00 AM. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
MONDAY, JAN 29, 7:30pm
We’ll hold a Zoom video call to overview the weekend and have a presentation by Jerry Via. We’ll record the call and send a link for the recording to all registrants afterwards.
FRIDAY, FEB 2
You have two options for Friday. Please indicate your preference when completing the registration form.
Option 1 - Lee Adams will lead the all-day trip to Lake Mattamuskeet (90-minute drive). Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 AM. Bring snacks, beverage, and lunch. Those interested will stop at Alligator River on the return trip to listen and watch for Short-eared Owls at dusk.
Option 2 – For those who prefer less driving, Meredith, Bill and Jerry will cover areas closer to the hotel in the morning. We’ll meet at 8:15 AM at Pea Island Visitor’s Center parking lot. Lunch is on your own. At 1:30pm, we’ll meet at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and explore areas that won’t be covered on Sunday’s AM trip. Those interested can stay until dusk with Lee Adams’ groups to listen for Short-eared Owls.
SATURDAY
AM: Visit the impoundments of Pea Island NWR and surrounding areas. We’ll divide into smaller groups, and every group will visit all areas. Lunch is on your own.
PM: Visit Jennette’s Pier, the beach, and other nearby areas. In the past, species of note at the pier included Dovekie, Razorbill, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, and Northern Gannet. At 3:00 PM we’ll gather at Bodie Lighthouse to view waterfowl from the platform.
5:30 PM: A tally of the weekend’s species in the Neptune Room on the 2nd floor.
SUNDAY
AM: Explore Alligator River NWR. Drive on your own and meet at 8:30am at the main entrance on Milltail Road.
Come prepared for variable weather, lots of birds and a great time! If you have any questions, contact field trip coordinator Meredith Bell at 804-824-4958 or merandlee@gmail.com.