![]() (The comparably low number of amphibians is due to the mainly saltwater environments, which are not conducive to many amphibian species.) The US Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge as part of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge complex, estimates that at any given time the refuge is home to 365 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 24 species of reptiles, and 5 different kinds of amphibians. The environment here is wildly diverse, with ocean beaches and high and dry sand dunes, fresh and brackish soundside ponds, low-lying salt flats, and salt marshes.Ĭonsidering this diverse range of unique habitats, it's no surprise that more than 400 species call the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge home. The refuge has 5,834 acres of land in addition to 25,700 acres of water, and is approximately 13 miles long with a width that varies from a half mile, (or even less during a sever high tide), to a full mile. If this sounds like an enticing locale to you, simply check with your vacation rental company before your next visit to see what vacation homes they have available along the refuge's perimeter. ![]() Because of this, vacation guests staying along the borders of Rodanthe will often find that they are located right next to the refuge, with phenomenal unobstructed views of the soundside from a breezy back deck. The boundaries of the refuge are pretty easy to identify, as the refuge begins on the southern edge of Oregon Inlet and extends all the way to the town limits of Rodanthe. Heading south on NC Highway 12, a visitor will enter the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge just as soon as they cross the Herbert C. Geography of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Because the refuge was partitioned off with the goal of conservation in mind, hundreds of thousands of birds find they have a safe "pit stop" to relax for a few hours, a few days, or even a few months before continuing on their north or south bound journey. ![]() More often than not, that "spot" entails a coastal region of North Carolina, particularly along the Outer Banks, which offers miles of undeveloped land and diverse habitats for all kinds of species. Naturally, with a cross-country trip that entails thousands of miles of travel, the migrating birds need a place to stop and relax. Hatteras Island, along with much of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks, is an essential region along the "Atlantic Flyway." This designation marks the route that most all East Coast migratory birds take on their way north or south for the season. While today hunting is no longer allowed, visitors can still enjoy observing and "capturing" the hundreds of species with a pair of binoculars or a camera. Early visitors would make the long and tricky journey to Hatteras Island for the incredible hunting and fishing, and the area now known as the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was well-stocked with ducks, geese, and fowl of all varieties that were easy pickings. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge originated in 1937, when the government sectioned off this parcel of Hatteras Island, spanning from Oregon Inlet to the northern borders of Rodanthe, "as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife." This coincided with the origination of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, an area of beaches designed for visitor recreation, and was an effort to keep areas of the unpopulated Hatteras Island free of development - an initiative that was well before its time, considering that the Bonner Bridge wouldn't even be built until over two decades later.īear in mind that for decades, well before mainstream tourism hit the beaches, this region was a popular market for waterfowl hunting, recreational and commercial fishing, and even farming operations. The History and the Basics of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge With nothing but the wind and local songbirds to keep you company on your travels, you'll surely get a delectable taste of the Outer Banks at its most wild. Head out to the local nature trails, or take to the water via a kayak to explore all 30,000+ acres of this fantastic coastal attraction. The refuge is famous for providing temporary accommodations to nearly 400 species of migrating birds and other wildlife, so any expedition along these grounds is sure to provide some exceptional bird spottings and subsequent photos. Instead, visitors will find a completely undeveloped parcel of land, that's well-stocked with gorgeous views and serene nature trails that are ideal for off-the-beaten path excursions. ![]() Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or businesses to point the way. Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |