North Carolina Wildlife – Outer Banks Blue's Vacation Tips

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in the NC Outer Banks

Where can you find rare red wolves, colorful wood ducks, black bears galore, hawks and bald eagles, hundreds of migratory waterfowl – perhaps even a few alligators – all amid unspoiled woodlands and wetlands in a stunning natural setting? Come to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge at 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, in the NC Outer Banks. READ MORE

Duck Hunting in the Outer Banks of NC

Each year thousands of special visitors flock to the Outer Banks. Arriving by air, these VIP travelers cluster around sounds, bays, ponds, pools, and open ocean. Like so many other “tourists,” they love those beautiful OBX waters! READ MORE

Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve: A Wildlife Wonderland

Longing to connect with nature? Visit Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve in the NC Outer Banks. Bordered by US 158 to the east and Currituck Sound to the west, it’s a tranquil hidden oasis covering some 1,824 acres of unspoiled natural beauty. READ MORE

Outer Banks Wildlife: The Most Popular Animals to See

If you get excited at the thought of being surrounded by animals, the Outer Banks will become your new favorite vacation spot. Home to a vast range of unique wildlife, this region features lots of protected and unspoiled land that encourages growth in animal populations.

To learn about our native critters, the best place to start your vacation is at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla. This incredible 22,000-square-foot education center is the ideal place to bone up on animals you might see, so you know what you’re spotting as you enjoy your getaway. Here are some of the most popular animals to see in the Outer Banks:

Sea Turtles

Five different kinds of sea turtles nest on Outer Banks beaches: leatherback, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, and green turtles. Watch for sandy mounds on the beach, especially near the dunes. Remember: If you see a turtle or a nest, don’t disturb it.

Dolphins

Everyone’s favorite Outer Banks animal is the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Dolphins can pop up anywhere in the water — in the calm waters of the sound or inlet, to the choppy waves near the beach or offshore. Watch for dolphin from the beach or pier, or take a special dolphin-watching boat ride to maximize your chances of seeing these slippery critters.

Wild Horses

Of course, the wild horses of the Outer Banks, known as “banker ponies,” are the most famous residents of the islands. These horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish horses that swam ashore after shipwrecks hundreds of years ago. Banker ponies are protected, and they have the run of the place. You’re most likely to see them on Corolla beaches and in Ocracoke, but they have been seen elsewhere.

Wild Boars

Wild boars are common to barrier islands because they’re good swimmers. Outer Banks wild boar are big, and they have long tusks and bad attitudes. You probably won’t see them in town or on the beach, but if you’re exploring the rural areas of Corolla, you may spot one rooting around for a meal. They’re skittish, so watch from a distance and let them go their way.

Wild Hares

If you are wondering why Outer Banks bunnies are so massive, it’s because they’re not bunnies — they’re hares. Hares are much larger than rabbits, with long back legs and ears. They are common on Roanoke Island, where you may see dozens upon dozens at twilight.

Black Bears

Many folks driving into the Outer Banks are surprised to see a black bear standing alongside, or crossing, the road. Black bears are frequently seen in the islands, especially in Currituck and around the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Black bears don’t have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are bears after all. Best to steer clear, give them space and don’t feed them.

Red Wolves

Once thought to be virtually extinct, red wolves have made a comeback in recent years. Spot these magnificent creatures around the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, or keep an ear out for their haunting songs at night.

Mink, Beaver, Muskrat

If you’re staying in Corolla, you may get lucky and catch a glimpse of a mink, beaver, or muskrat. Once prized for their pelts, these water mammals disappeared from the area until the late 1930s. Today they are more common and may be seen at dusk or dawn along streams and creeks.

Bobcats

Bobcats are so elusive that most locals don’t know they exist in the Outer Banks. However, every so often one of these short-tailed felines decides to take a beach break and surprise everyone. Bobcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and are most often seen at dawn or dusk.

Grey and Red Fox

Grey foxes can be seen all over the Outer Banks. They’re small — much smaller than wolves — so there’s no mistaking a sighting. Foxes hunt near sunrise or sunset, but it’s not unusual to see them out and about during the day. If you have your windows open at night and hear a little howling, it’s likely one of our furry grey friends singing at the stars.

Deer

Deer are frequently seen around the Outer Banks in wooded areas. Nags Head is especially flush with deer, and sightings of herds are common near sunset. If you’re driving near dusk or dawn, go slowly and keep an eye out for the tell-tale shining eyes in the brush.

Alligators

Yes, there are alligators in the Outer Banks. Alligators are shy, so it’s not likely that you’ll see one in your rental neighborhood. If you want to see an alligator, your best bet is to take a trip to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a 12,000-acre preserve.

The Outer Banks are home to more wildlife than most people know. For the best chance at seeing some of our furry (or slippery) locals, drive slowly, walk quietly, and watch for movement near the ground or the surface of the water.

Kicking Back at The Beach!: Memory Monday January 19, 2015.

Kicking Back at The Beach!This week’s Memory Monday Photo Submission comes to us from Carlene Cearley of Cary, North Carolina who is a long time rental guest of Outer Banks Blue and particularly an annual visitor to the vacation renal property “Heaven Sent” in Nags Head.Some days there is just nothing better than a nice cup of your favorite beverage on the deck and then taking a walk on Jockey’s Ridge a litter later in the day.Today is one of those days!All the best from the beach!By Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services

‘Tis The Season For Duck Hunting In The Outer Banks

The Outer Banks boasts some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in North Carolina. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, and many of those visitors are ducks and other waterfowl. Thanks to the beautiful waters and bays along the shoreline, hunters find a multitude of ducks, geese and other waterfowl at the Outer Banks during the winter months.

When Is Duck Hunting Season?

Duck hunting season in the Outer Banks is open from October through early March, depending on the type of duck you plan to hunt. Before you plan your trip, visit the North Carolina Wildlife website for specific information about the various duck seasons. Be sure to apply for specific permits as needed. Hunting hours begin a half-hour before sunrise and end at sunset. Seasons for specific waterfowl are as follows:

Ducks, Mergansers and Coots: October 2–5, November 9 – November 30, and December 14 – January 25
Sea Ducks (In special sea duck area only): October 2 – January 31
Dark Geese (Includes Canada geese and white-fronted geese):

Resident population hunt zone: October 2–12, November 9–30, Dec. 14 – Feb. 8
Southern James Bay hunt zone: Oct. 2–30, Nov. 9–Dec. 31
Northeast hunt zone: January 10–25 (By permit only)

Light Geese (Includes snow geese, blue geese, and Ross’ geese): October 16–19, November 9 – March 8Brant: December 23 – January 25Tundra Swan: November 9 – January 31Youth Waterfowl Days (Includes ducks, geese, brant, mergansers, coots and tundra swans with appropriate permits): February 1 and February 8

What Types Of Duck Hunting Are Available?

Duck guides usually offer a variety of hunting experiences in order to provide some variety and the best chance of helping hunters reach their bag limit. Some of the options offered include:

Open Water — Open water duck hunting depends on a large spread of decoys and a reliable duck call. Because you will be hunting from a boat, you do not necessarily need to wear waders, although it is a good idea to keep a pair with you just in case.
Blinds — If you hire a guide, he will most likely have established blinds to choose from. Variety is helpful in reaching your bag limit early in the day, so take advantage of the various types of blinds that your guide suggests.
Shore — Field blinds can be a good option if you prefer to do your hunting from the shore. Layout blinds that blend into the landscape and can be easily moved provide excellent cover for hunting ducks on dry land.

What Are The Best Places To Hunt?

The Outer Banks offer many miles of prime shoreline with excellent duck hunting possibilities. There are several favored spots for duck blinds up and down the coast, including:Currituck National Wildlife Refuge — You will need a shallow-draft boat to access the waterfowl in this area, but the excellent hunting is well worth the trip.Cape Hatteras National Seashore — There is an excellent section of the coastline along Cape Hatteras where ducks can almost always be found. It is important to remain within legal hunting grounds, however, because the nearby Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is closed to hunters.

Northern Outer Banks READ MORE

Tag: North Carolina Wildlife