An orb weaver appears to don its Halloween skull mask. Photo: Mark Courtney
No frittering for fritillaries
A Gulf fritillary rests on a flower inside the Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington. Guests can roam the 2,700-square-foot native North Carolina butterfly house that is part of the extensive Airlie Gardens. Admission is required to enter the gardens but is free to New Hanover County residents the first Sunday of every month. Photo: Mark Courtney
Sea turtle center unveils nest barrier tape that informs, too
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Beach is now using a new type of biodegradable marker tape that can help educate the public about the creatures’ plight.
Some pattern
An orb-weaver spider sits in it’s intricate patterned web in the Porters Neck area just outside Wilmington. Photo: Mark Courtney
Follow the sun
Sunflowers are in full bloom at the Trask Family Farms Sunflower Maze at 3650 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne. Tickets are required to walk the 9-acre maze. Photo: Mark Courtney
Ode to the Salt Marsh: Paddling the waters less traveled
Photojournalist Mark Courtney shares his images, observations and experiences from 25 years of paddling the salt marshes near Wilmington.
