Anyone know of any nice birding spots near Kure Beach, NC?

[In2Photos]

We have a family vacation planned for the last week in August. I'd love to find a nice birding spot to spend a few hours. Anyone care to share one?

Here is the location:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=kure+beach,+nc&sll=34.998168,-80.563889&sspn=0.356613,0.721664&ie=UTF8&ll=34.040143,-78.121033&spn=0.721471,1.443329&z=10

Thanks!

[huntersdad]

There's alot of marsh area down there. I would think if you can survive the mosquitos and possible snake encounters, that would be your best bet. The beach would also be a great place to catch some shore birds. There's geese down there on several golf course but couldn't tell you how to get pictures or access to them. Landscape would also be an option. That area is very pretty at sunrise or sunset.

[monty28428]

The basin trail at fort fisher is a nice place to go.

[In2Photos]

There's alot of marsh area down there. I would think if you can survive the mosquitos and possible snake encounters, that would be your best bet. The beach would also be a great place to catch some shore birds. There's geese down there on several golf course but couldn't tell you how to get pictures or access to them. Landscape would also be an option. That area is very pretty at sunrise or sunset.
I'm not much for snakes, but the mosquitoes I could deal with. I'll likely stay out of the marsh and just stick to trails this trip. We will definitely be on the beach so good to go there! Teh geeses I don't care too much about. Thinking about using my CPS membership for a wide angle shot for some sunrise/sunset stuff as well.
The basin trail at fort fisher is a nice place to go.
I'll check that out again. Last time I was the birds were too far out or were hiding in the grass. We could hear them, but couldn't see them.

Will you be around that week Monty?

[monty28428]

Yeah -- they can be far away at time on the basin trail -- here are a couple of "hot" spots. (Blue line is basin trail)

#1 -- after you leave the tree part of the path keep looking to your right there are a few places to walk down towards the water.

#2 -- instead of taking the basin trail keep going and you will see two areas on the right - that put you right on the water.

I've had lots of luck in both places with tri-colored herons and gwe's the norm.

Bad part about the basin trail is it's not open until 8 am.

[monty28428]

This is at the end of basin trail

Get on the waters edge and walk towards #1 - normally plenty of birds at #2

(Watch your step -- a few deep holes out there!)

[monty28428]

If you want to shoot earlier than 8 am - take fort fisher road (421) all the way south to the boat ramp - on a falling tide/low tide there are usually oyster catchers on the old rip/rap road.

[monty28428]

I'm here all year Mike and will be around the last week of August - PM me if you want to meet up or would like to know anything.

Of course the docks at Carolina beach will have pelicans, gulls and cormorants hanging around with the occasional skimmer, Carolina beach state park is also not bad if you take the trail down by the marina.

[In2Photos]

Monty you are the man! :D I'll shoot you a PM in a week or so. Maybe we can go shooting one day or at least grab a beer or something!

[monty28428]

Sounds like a plan Mike!

[monty28428]

Was nice to meet you yesterday Mike! Looking forward to seeing your shots from the day.


We didn't see to many birds but these are from our first stop.

1st one -- I think the tch is laughing at Mike (hell he posed enough for him!)

2nd one -- tch leaving as I scared him off!

[In2Photos]

Was nice to meet you yesterday Mike! Looking forward to seeing your shots from the day.


We didn't see to many birds but these are from our first stop.

1st one -- I think the tch is laughing at Mike (hell he posed enough for him!)

2nd one -- tch leaving as I scared him off!
It was great to meet you too Monty! I had a lot of fun and even though we didn't see too many birds, I think I got some good ones. I'm uploading them now to the computer and I hope to go through it all tonight or tomorrow and start posting some.

[In2Photos]

Here you go Monty, a couple of shots.

1. The tri colored heron
http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/116711614/original.jpg

2. More tri colored
http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/116711616/original.jpg

3. The green heron
http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/116711645/original.jpg

4.
http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/116711650/original.jpg

5. I know we though this was a snowy, but it might be an immature Little Blue due to the light colored beak and legs.
http://www.pbase.com/madawson/image/116711633/original.jpg

[monty28428]

Awesome job Mike - that tch gave you a great show I think!!

I think you are right about #5 as well.