12/9/09

Winter brings Harbor Seals to the Outer Banks

As the weather cools down and Hatteras Island beaches become deserted, a seasonal visitor begins to make an appearance along the Outer Banks coastline: harbor seals.

From January through March, seal sightings are not uncommon on any of the island’s beaches. Taking a break from the rough waves and tricky ocean conditions, the seals literally hurl themselves onto the beach for a little R&R before returning back into the ocean. Their stay on the sand can last anywhere from an hour to a few days, depending on how much rest they need. Continue reading


05/29/09

Three rehabilitated turtles return to the sea

Spectators lined Buxton’s lifeguarded beach Thursday evening, May 21, to watch as representatives from the North Carolina Aquarium, National Park Service, and The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST) sent three rehabilitated sea turtles back to the ocean. Continue reading


02/6/09

The Critters of Winter

While summertime visitors are treated to the laughing gulls, mole crabs, and other coastal critters that enjoy Hatteras Island when it’s warm, winter visitors have an opportunity to observe some of the more timid and elusive Hatteras Island residents. When the beaches and coastal areas are deserted, and when the weather is chilly enough for these cold natured animals to thrive, an unusual group of island critters make a dramatic appearance. Continue reading