Lake Mattamuskeet at Sunset
Photo by Rebecca Currin
Join us for VSO’s Winter field trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, February 5-7! Some of the weekend’s leaders include Bill Akers, Jerry Via, Pete and Charm Peterman, Kathy and Gray Richardson, Darleen Stigall, Tom Rapp, as well as VSO field trip co-chair Lee Adams. You may remember Clark Olsen from last year’s trip as the host to Painted Buntings in Duck. Clark will be with us again this year and will keep us posted on Bunting sightings. We had great birds last year despite unusually cold and windy weather and lingering snow and ice at Alligator River. We hope for better weather and even better birds in 2027.
We plan trips to Lake Mattamuskeet, Duck, Pea Island NWR. New Field Pond, Bonner Bridge Pier, Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, and Alligator River NWR.
VERY Important! As always, field trips are open to all VWO members whose dues are current. If you have not renewed your dues or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here!
REGISTER: Please register online HERE (https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/jCrZMztf2Rc1V7DYDkdPDg ). On the form, you’ll select your preference for the Friday trips.
SCHEDULE: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30 P.M. 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, FEBRUARY 5 You have two options for Friday. Please indicate your preference when completing the registration form. Option 1 - Lee Adams and Pete and Charm Peterman will lead the all-day trip to Lake Mattamuskeet (90-minute drive). Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 A.M. 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 A.M., We will cover areas south of the hotel, around Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Bonner Bridge Pier and Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. Lunch is on your own. At 1:30 P.M. we’ll meet at Alligator River NWR and explore areas there. Those interested can stay until dusk to meet Lee Adams’ group to listen for Short-eared Owls.
On Saturday morning, those who went to Lake Mattamuskeet will have an opportunity to go south to the areas visited by the other group on Friday. In the afternoon, they will go to Bodie Island. Those who went toward Pea Island on Friday will go to Bodie Island in the morning and to Jennette’s Pier in the afternoon. Sunday, we will go to Alligator River as we work our way homeward.
LODGING/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 5, 2027, to get the special VSO rate.
MEALS - A complimentary breakfast buffet breakfast is included with your stay, beginning at 6:00 A.M. Friday and Saturday morning and at 6:30 A.M. Sunday morning. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Questions? Contact Rebecca Currin at (804) 405-5421 or currinrw@gmail.com.