Northern Harrier- Photo by Deborah Humphries
Thumbnail Photo - Northern Gannet by Deborah Humphries
Make plans to join us for the VSO’s Winter field trip at the Outer Banks of North Carolina February 6-8! The weekend’s leaders include Bill Akers, Jerry Via, Pete & Charm Peterman, as well as VSO field trip co-chairs Lee Adams and Meredith Bell. You can count on an abundance of birds on this trip, and we usually have several surprises.
VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2026 or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here.
TRIP REGISTRATION
Please register online HERE. On the form, you’ll select your preference for the Friday trips (see options below).
HEADQUARTERS
The Comfort Inn South Oceanfront in Nags Head is again the trip headquarters. The special VSO room rate is $82 for oceanfront and $66 for bay-view (plus tax). Oceanfront rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact information for the hotel is: Phone: 252-441-6315; 8031 Old Oregon Inlet Road, Nags Head, NC 27959. Reservations must be made by January 6, 2026, to get the special VSO rate.
MEALS
A complimentary breakfast buffet breakfast is included with your stay, beginning at 6:00 AM Friday and Saturday morning and at 6:30 AM Sunday morning. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
MONDAY, FEB 2, 7:30pm
We’ll hold a Zoom video call to overview the weekend and have a presentation by Jerry Via. We’ll record the call and send a link for the recording to all registrants afterwards.
FRIDAY, FEB 6
You have two options for Friday. Please indicate your preference when completing the registration form.
Option 1 - Lee Adams and Pete & Charm Peterman will lead the all-day trip to Lake Mattamuskeet (90-minute drive). Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 AM to divide into groups. Bring snacks, beverage, and lunch. Those interested will stop at Alligator River on the return trip to listen and watch for Short-eared Owls at dusk.
Option 2 – In the AM, Bill, Jerry, and Meredith will cover areas around Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Lunch is on your own. At 1:30pm, we’ll meet at Alligator River NWR and explore areas that won’t be covered on Sunday’s AM trip. Those interested can stay until dusk with Lee Adams’ groups to listen for Short-eared Owls.
SATURDAY, FEB 7
AM for Friday’s Option 1: Visit the impoundments of Pea Island NWR and surrounding areas. We’ll divide into smaller groups, and every group will visit all areas. Lunch is on your own.
AM for Friday’s Option 2: Walk the paths and boardwalk at Bodie Lighthouse.
PM: Visit Jennette’s Pier, the beach, and other nearby areas. In the past, species of note at the pier included Dovekie, Razorbill, Red-breasted Merganser, Horned Grebe, and Northern Gannet. At 3:00 PM we’ll gather at Bodie Lighthouse to view waterfowl from the platform.
5:30 PM: A tally of the weekend’s species in the Neptune Room on the 2nd floor.
SUNDAY, FEB 8
AM: Explore Alligator River NWR. Drive on your own and meet at 8:30am at the main entrance on Milltail Road.
Come prepared for variable weather, lots of birds, and a great time! If you have any questions, contact field trip coordinator Meredith Bell at 804-824-4958 or merandlee@gmail.com.