Wild Places, Wild Birds

With spring migration still a few weeks off, I enjoyed taking time to just hang out with the gulls, Willets and assortment of over-wintering birds.

I completed only one eBird checklist, a 3-mile walk at Fort Macon State Park. Best bird there was an Orange-crowned Warbler.

The beach was populated with lots of Ring-billed Gulls, Forster’s Terns, a few Laughing Gulls, Willets and Sanderlings. On and over the water we spotted Red-throated Loons, Northern Gannets, Brown Pelicans, Horned Grebes and a few Herring Gulls.

On the motel property, mostly around the feeders, we watched Starlings and Red-winged Blackbirds gorge themselves while Cardinals, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee waited their turn.

Information abut the nature trail at Fort Macon State Park

Location: North end of the Fort area parking lot & Northeast corner of the Beach Access parking lotDescription:

The Elliott Coues Nature Trail is a new hiking trail that connects the Fort area with the Swim Beach area. It stretches approximately 3.2 miles round trip and travels along the marsh, through the maritime forest, and through the sand dunes. The trail can be accessed both at the Fort parking lot or the Beach Access parking lot. Park visitors are reminded that these two parking lots have separate closing times and these times change throughout the year based on the month, so please be mindful of your time if you start your hike later in the afternoon.Point of Interest:Length:
3.20 miles
Round TripDifficulty:
ModerateBlaze:
Yellow Circle