During our recent trip to the Outer Banks, we spent a day going south from Kill Devil Hills, along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, to the Hatteras Lighthouse. Our primary destination was the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the prime birding spots in the USA. The weather conditions included 12 MPH NE winds with gusts to 30MPH, which virtually eliminated the chance of spotting migrant songbirds, our main goal. But we were more than satisfied with what we did see.
We saw a huge number of Tricolored Herons and White Ibis.
We were fortunate to see this Audubon’s Shearwater.
We had two target birds when we set out on this expedition. We wanted to see our first Black-necked Stilt and American Avocet. We succeeded on both counts!
The Black-necked Stilt:
American Avocet:
After a few hours of enjoyable hikes, views and birding, we proceeded to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in North America.
It was fun climbing to the top!
We lucked out at the top. The high winds had closed the observation tower, but slowed just enough as we got there to allow us out. Here is a view, without hat as it would have blown off!
On the way back, we stopped at the Bodie Island Lighthouse and we lucked out again! Not only did we get to walk outside on the observation tower, we were among the first to see the four-year restoration and the actual lighthouse lens.
It was a great day on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore!
Bye! 🙂
Stay tuned for Part 3 of the OBX – The Outer Banks, NC.
It’s so fun to explore places. Hubby and I need to do this very soon. Just go someplace and explore.
Have a fabulous day. Hugs again.. 🙂
Thanks so much, Sandee. But I know you and Zane explore places in your own boating way!
Hugs to you and Z! 🙂
Beautiful photos! (Sorry for not commenting more. I almost hate to leave two word comments like this 🙂 )
It goes both ways. I haven’t been the best blog friend lately. But like you, I plan to kick it back up.
It’s always good to hear from you, even two words! 🙂