Wings Over Water Festival

The 13th Annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival takes place November 3-8, 2009. All the stops are pulled out for folks who come from across the country to participate in this six day event celebrating the wild side of the Outer Banks.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the area and discover the richness of the region's environment, with 86 programs offered in themes ranging from paddling and wildlife photography to birding, natural history, and more.

All of the proceeds from this event go to the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, a non-profit organization established and incorporated in 1989 by a group of local citizens to provide support for National Wildlife Refuges in eastern North Carolina.

Participants, for a modest cost, can select from such varied experiences as:

• Venturing into a variety of Outer Banks areas, which have a combined bird list of nearly 400 species.
• Learning from experts how to capture photographs that capture the unique beauty of the Outer Banks region.
• Traveling to historic landmarks throughout the Outer Banks, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.
• Touring North Pond, located at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island, the hottest spot in North Carolina for fall birding. During the festival, you can even visit South Pond, which is usually closed to visitors.
• Visiting the Keeper's House in Corolla, which is usually closed to the public, and climbing the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
• Taking a ferry to Ocracoke Island, the small fishing village that was the pirate Blackbeard's hang-out, and is also home to several bird species.
• Paddling the area's many backwaters or going four-wheeling in the area north of Corolla towards Carova.
• Visiting the ancient maritime forests, Buxton Woods in Buxton (on Hatteras Island) and Nags Head Woods in Nags Head, for a look at the unique ecosystems found here.
• Taking an evening trip into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to search for bears and other wildlife.
• Enjoying the area's natural beauty during a sunrise or sunset kayak tour in the calm sound waters.
• Wading on the shores of Oregon Inlet as you search for species of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows and wrens.
• Visiting a local art gallery to view the work of local Outer Banks artists and how they interpret the area's environment and wildlife.
• Exploring the Ghost Town on Portsmouth Island, which is located just south of Ocracoke Island and accessible only by boat or kayak.
• Heading for the beautiful blue Gulf Stream waters off Cape Hatteras in search of pelagic bird species.
• Experiencing a Red Wolf Howling in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where the nearly extinct animal has fought its way back due to local preservationi efforts.

Photography by Ray Matthews

For more information about the 2009 Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival or the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society, visit the links below:

• Homes Offering Short Stays
• Wings Over Water Festival
• Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society