Nature and the environment


Sea turtles are nesting on the seashore in record numbers

As of Aug. 9, on Cape Hatteras National Seashore, there were 106 confirmed sea turtle nests. That’s the highest number of turtle nests on record for Cape Hatteras, besting the previous record by seven or eight nests, and far exceeding the 2007 nesting season, which, with 82 nests, was considered a very good year.  And because nesting season continues through the end of August, it is entirely conceivable that the number of nests could keep rising. Seashore officials say it is too soon to tell if the stricter regulations of the consent decree have contributed to the record number of nests.   ....Read more


Turtles, eggs, and nesting: A simple primer

Turtle nest will affect beach access during this late summer and fall fishing season.  Here is more information about these interesting and complex critters.  ....Read more

Baby sperm whale stranded on Avon Beach

Early on Monday afternoon, June 30, the National Park Service received calls about a baby sperm whale in distress off Hatteras Island at Rodanthe.  A few hours later, around 4 in the afternoon, the 14 foot, 6 inch calf beached itself in Avon, right beside the pier.    ....Read more

‘Scotty’ the sea turtle goes home

 Sunday evening, June 22, was a big night for “Scotty,” a large female loggerhead turtle who, after months of rehabilitation, was finally going home.   ....Read more
Villagers successfully rescue a baby owl in Salvo

There’s a proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Evidently, it also takes a village to save a baby owl.  An owlet in Salvo was successfully returned to its nest last week through the efforts of many folks.   ....Read more
Harbor seals are winter visitors to admire from afar

Those really cute harbor seals that have been hanging out on seashore beaches are not unusual winter visitors.  They’ve come ashore for some rest and relaxation, and it’s both dangerous and illegal to get close to them.   ....Read more
Refuge Web site features video footage of 2007 sea turtle hatchlings

The sea turtle nesting program on Pea Island is supported by a huge cadre of dedicated and dependable refuge volunteers. During the 2007 season, Ron Marchand, a very active "Turtle Watch" volunteer, was persistent enough to capture much of the action on video using infrared photographic equipment.  ....Read more
A photo essay:  Fall on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands

 These islands may not have species like tulip-trees with their golden crowns or hickories and beeches with their yellow and browns or oaks with their canopies of red, but here autumn is announced in more subtle ways by its plants, animals, and deep, rich golden sunsets.   ....Read more




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