Last Minute Road Trip - Raptors

My friend and I made a last minute decision to leave early yesterday morning (0330) to go to Lake Mattamuskeet.  The weather was simply beautiful.  We arrived just as the sun was coming up.   As we crossed the lake, hundreds of swallows were swooping about.  We stopped trying to get some shots but none came out very good.  Too dark and they were moving too quickly.

Upon arriving at the refuge the first bird we saw was a Red-tailed Hawk.  We took this as a good sign we would see some raptors today.

We had hoped to see more waterfowl and after stopping by the refuge office, we got some intel on where some fairly good size groups of Ibis and Blue-winged Teals were spotted.  This was on the back side of the refuge and after getting some directions, we took off.  This area is closed after 31 October to prevent disturbing the migrating waterfowl so we were hoping to get some good shots.

We found the area, parked and packed to hike in.  After a little more than 1/2 mile, we realized we took the wrong path,  All was not lost though.  There were a couple of young Merlin that were desperately trying to catch some prey.  Their hunting skills were definitely lacking and repeated swoop downs on large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds that were feeding on seed heads in the field yielded to results.  One young one that was nearby unfortunately was sitting in the shadows.  We had to jack the ISO up to 2000 to even get a shot light enough to get any detail.

Finally moving on to try and find the correct area, we soon realized we were looking at another 1 1/2 mile hike to get to the location and back.  With limited time and shorter days, we decided we would come back another day before the area was closed.  On the way back out we spotted an Osprey sitting in a tree doing some serious grooming.

Back to the front side of the refuge, we hit the back area.  We were quite surprised to find one area that was still warbler rich.  In one small area we found a Black-and-white, American Redstart, Northern Parula and still a few Prothonotary Warblers.




























The day was getting late and we decided to make one last run down Wildlife Drive.  We spotted a Kestrel hunting and stopped to watch it for a while.  They are such pretty birds.

As we were watching we noticed a brown bird swooping low over the marsh.  Yeah!  A Northern Harrier.  They are such magnificent fliers.  Immediately the little Kestrel flew off yielding to the Harrier's presence.

One last stop going over the lake and an eagle popped out of a small island of trees and starting flying across the lake.  A nice bird to end the day with.

Outer Banks Crawl Day 1 - Tuesday

Day 1 of vacation did not go as hoped. I guess that saying of "Best laid plans..." was in full effect.  The clouds hung around longer than expected so the morning was non-eventful.  My first stop was at the Alligator River NWR.  Where are all the ducks, swans and snow geese?  Oh well.

The saving grace was watching a Northern Harrier working the field.  What a shame the lighting was not better.  I can say though they are truely magnificent fliers.  This one particular bird was very adept at riding the wind currents.  It had that hang time maneuver down pat.  There were more N. Harriers around in the area than I think I have ever seen there.

On to Pea Island NWR.  Major disappointment this year.  When I arrived,  I was so surprised that the area covered with water last year was now dry.  I went into the visitor center to talk with them to see what was going on.  The volunteer there was new at that location and all she could say was water had been pumped out.  I am very surprised as this time of year it is a major roosting area for the migrating Tundra Swan and Snow Geese.  It is considered an environmentally sensitive area so I was totally shocked.  Had I known, I would not have wasted my time or gas.  I know that back in the summer when Hurrican Irene hit, the ocean washed out Hwy 12 and cut through to the sound side.  Possibly water was being pumped out so excess sand could be remove?   I just don't know.

On my way back to Nags Head, I decided to pull through the Bodie Island Lighthouse.  Last year it was still undergoing renovation and had scaffolding still around the lighthouse.  It looks very nice now.  I had watched a program on PBS showing all the required repairs on the lighthouse and it was a major undertaking.   One thing for sure, we love our  lighthouses here in NC!

Feeling disheartened by the lack of waterfowl, the high winds and cool temps, I attempted to make the best of the remaining part of the day.  Since I had not visited the somewhat new Wright Brothers Memorial that opened a couple of years ago, now seemed like a good time.   

Tired and a bit frustrated, I went on to the motel.  Late in the afternoon, several guys came by kite surfing.  Looked like fun and they were moving pretty quickly but I would say definitely a summer sport.  They all had on wet suits but I feel sure they were still cold.  Time for a good nights rest and hopes for a better 2nd day.  A revision of plans for day two shows promise.

I have so many photo's to go through tonight / tomorrow for day two that proved to be outstanding.  Tonight however I am extremely tired and the dog is demanding some "love me" time.

Day two, I get down to some serious birding time.  WIll post more tomorrow.