Author: Stan Deatherage | Published: November 13th, 2009

North Carolina's Ribbon of Sand Buffeted by Two Big Brothers of Blue

  On any clear sunny day along North Carolina's eastern most shore, known simply as "The Outer Banks," the curious traveler can enjoy this geological oddity on most all days in all seasons. As the new year begins in Winter, the sand blown coast shudders some days, sunny or not, from the cold northern winds blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean. On other days, the winds blow in from a more southerly direction, usually bringing a warmer climate to the coast, with many days ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the climate and providing that one dresses appropriately, you can enjoy any number of outdoor activities that truly accentuates the natural beauty and splendor of one North Carolina's crown jewels at the top of its proverbial bonnet.


   Click map to enlarge to a much larger map of northeastern North Carolina.

  Swimming is out of the question, unless you are a member of some local "Polar Bear" ritual of bathing in ice cold waters; however, there is much to do if you keep your clothes on. In all of January through much of February, nearly all species of waterfowl that inhabit North America make the outer banks, and the various surrounding bodies of water, their home. While the most of the white egrets and pelicans stay for the moderate climate, most of the abundant visiting waterfowl are snow geese, all varieties of ducks and swan.



  These waterfowl that enjoy these hospitable conditions of the Outer Banks feast upon the insects that on warm days buzz within the rustling of the rich varieties of marsh grasses, but moreover, they dine on the ample small fishes and darting crustaceans that densely populate North Carolina's waterways. Remarkably, during the months when their population is at its highest levels, often; one cannot take a scenic picture without inadvertently capturing a long V of geese, ducks or swans finding their way to where they instinctually believe to be a better feeding place, or just farther south for the warmer climate. For the more experienced and serious bird watcher, the outer banks is a veritable habitat for the nesters, for the feeders, the waterfowl that take a long term lease in the natural bounty that is "The Outer Banks."

  Southern Bodie Island from Nags Head to Oregon Inlet has a variety of activities for the avid outdoors person. Chief among them is the pleasure of walking long, slow sojourns down the beach in the populated Ares, or hiking to the top of the highest sand dune east of the Mississippi, Jockey's Ridge. Jockey's Ridge State Park is just off US 158, and has a few walking trails; however, most folks choose to climb the shifting sands along the Roanoke Sound. From this vantage, there are a variety of panoramic views, presenting to the hiker an overview of how much water and how little sand stretches north and south. The views are ever changing depending on the time of day, but one should take the opportunity to watch the sun set upon the wide waters of the northern Roanoke Sound to fully appreciate God's splendor.



  Heading South on US 12 from Whalebone Junction to the Southern tip of Bodie Island and Oregon Inlet, there are a number of viewing rest stops on the west side of the highway that offer outstanding spectacular views of the southern Roanoke Sound and the marsh grasses that support the abundant seasonal waterfowl. Near the southeast tip of Bodie Island is the Bodie Island Station and Lighthouse. This lighthouse is an outstanding example of a mid 19th century structural design, that was dissimilar only in height and aesthetic exterior design from the five other lighthouses located on the outer banks, and to this day, it is well maintained and fully functional. Bodie Island Light Station was built in 1871, as two unsuccessful lighthouses were built south of Oregon Inlet.



  For bird watchers, the U.S. Park Service at Bodie Island affords the public short trails that provide viewing platforms, where one can attain fabulous views of waterfowl, and in particular, abundant flocks of swan that float and feed in the waterways surrounded by the ecology sustaining salt marsh on the southeast tip of the island.

  Directly across US 12 on the eastern shore along the Atlantic Ocean, one can park at Coquina Beach or about one mile further south, and drive onto the beach at Oregon inlet, to discover a plethora of activities including, but not limited to; taking very long walks along the uninhabited beach and dunes, bird watching, and plying the waters for some of the best surf fishing along the eastern shore of the United States.

  As to the bird watching again: I would refer you back to the first photograph near the head of this article. It was taken at Coquina Beach of a flock of ducks flying above the breakers. These ducks flew in a line running from north to south, in numbers as presented in this picture, for over 20 minutes at their normal migration speed (20 to 25 miles per hour), before the flight ended with the last ducks. Now that's quite a few birds. For the avid photographer, there are is no shortage of great shots. For the wildlife photographer and you see many decked out in camouflage with accompanying concealing cover equipment, there are abundant natural environs to lose oneself within.

  Whether it is bird watching, long walks along the desolate sandy beaches, surf fishing from the comfort of you four wheel drive vehicle, or sightseeing amongst the nature splendor of one of the world's geological oddities, North Carolina's Outer Banks is a must visit if you've never been here and regulars, such as myself, an enduring source of contentment as one communes with nature.

  In this expose', we have examined the activities and points of interest on southern Bodie Island. Next we will visit from Nags Head north to Corolla where US 12 ends, and the uninhabited natural seashore begins until the windswept surf and dunes reach Virginia Beach. Please revisit us in the future, as we present to you natural beauty of our land from the Mountains to the Sea.

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