VSO Outer Banks,
North Carolina,
Field Trip
February 3-5, 2012
Leaders Bill Akers & Jerry Via
Black-crowned Night Heron at Oregon Inlet.
© Arun Bose
Make plans to join us at the Outer Banks of North Carolina February 3-5 for the VSO’s Winter field trip. We always have great waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors, along with a wide assortment of land birds. This year we’re excited to announce a special optional Friday trip to Lake Mattamuskeet, led by VSO member Lee Adams.
Important! Please bring FRS radios if you have them because this is invaluable to staying in contact between vehicles and calling out bird sightings.
Headquarters
The Comfort Inn at Kill Devil Hills will be the trip headquarters. The special VSO room rate is $65 for oceanfront and $60 for street side plus tax. Ocean front rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Contact information for the hotel is: 1601 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948; Phone: 252-441-6333; fax 252-441-7779. Reservations must be made by January 13, 2012 to get the special VSO rate.
Meals
Meals are on your own. A complimentary breakfast buffet breakfast is included with your stay, beginning each morning at 6:30 AM. You can select from coffee, juice, fruit, cereal, Danish, hard-boiled eggs, and make-your-own waffles. Participants should bring lunch provisions for Friday (optional trip) and Saturday. For dinner there are many fine restaurants in the area.
Program
A program of events and announcements will be available at the front desk on Friday morning.
Friday
A day-trip to Lake Mattamuskeet will be led by Lee Adams, who has explored this area with NC birding groups and knows all the “hot spots!” Last year they spotted a Screech Owl, American Bittern and Common Gallinule. Species usually found in this area include Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, and a nice assortment of ducks. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:15 AM for 7:30 departure. Expected driving time to our destination is 90 minutes. Bring snacks, beverage and lunch. The group will stop at Alligator River on the return trip to listen for Short-eared Owls at dusk.
Friday Night
An evening orientation and slide program will be presented at 8:00 PM in the conference room near the lobby.
Saturday Field Trips
All day will be spent visiting the impoundments of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The generally milder climate and the proximity of the Gulf Stream make for an interesting combination of wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, ocean birds and sometimes whales. Participants may be divided into smaller groups, but every group will visit all areas. Participants should bring lunch.
Saturday Evening
There will be a tally at 6:30 PM in the VSO conference room at the hotel.
Sunday Morning
We’ll travel in caravan to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The trip will depart from the hotel at 8:00 AM, giving those wishing to continue straight home from the field trip time to check out of their rooms.
Come prepared for variable weather, lots of birds and a good time. If you have any questions, contact Bill Akers at 540-951-7692 or bill.akersj_AT_comcast.net or Meredith Bell at 804-824-4958 or merandlee_AT_gmail.com.
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