A male pileated woodpecker, or Dryocopus pileatus, searches for a snack Sunday in the bark of a pine tree in Nags Head Woods Preserve, one of the largest remaining maritime forests on the East Coast, according to The Nature Conservancy. This woodpecker, which feeds on insects in trees and logs, is one of more than 150 bird species visitors may spot at the preserve, and at least a third nests here, according to the conservancy. Photo: Kip Tabb
News Briefs
Officials break ground on ‘much-needed’ Carteret boat launch
Rep. Celeste C. Cairns, Carteret County commissioners and others staged a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday for a new boat launch facility on Bogue Sound in the western part of the county.
Cold stuns prompt spotted seatrout harvest closure
As of 4 p.m. Friday, North Carolina coastal and joint fishing waters will be closed to commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest through June 30.
Ferry operations to Bald Head Island temporarily suspended
Ferry and tram operations on Bald Head Island have been temporarily suspended while crews remove and relocate a ferry that grounded at the entrance to the south side of the Brunswick County island early Thursday morning.
Vote to name new otter pups at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is getting out the vote on names for three otter pups born in December.
Buxton beach nourishment focus of community meeting
Dare County officials will be joined by representatives from the National Park Service – Outer Banks Group at a public meeting to provide general information about Buxton’s beach nourishment project scheduled for this year.
Valentine’s Day tree giveaway set for downtown Wilmington
Alliance for Cape Fear Trees will share the love this Valentine’s Day by giving away more than 1,000 native species of trees.
Sturgeon City to host women’s STEM event
Sturgeon City’s “She Innovates” welcomes women of all ages to engage with women professionals in various fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Post-graduate STEM fellowship applications due March 9
The NC STEM Policy Post-Graduate Fellowship is an opportunity for graduate students from state colleges and universities to serve full-time for a year in high-level state offices, focusing on topics related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Guided birding tour at Lake Mattamuskeet set for Monday
Budding birders and seasoned ornithologists can sign up now for a guided winter birding experience at Lake Mattamuskeet Monday morning with Coastal Studies Institute educators.
Core Sound to salute Cape Lookout’s Coast Guard history
The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center is hosting Saturday at its Harkers Island facility an anniversary celebration for the Coast Guard at Cape Lookout.
Dare seeks input on resiliency plan for unincorporated areas
The plan for unincorporated areas of the county builds on the resilience strategy that was completed for Hatteras Island in 2022.
State seeks public comment on ‘The Point’ transfer funding
The Division of Coastal Management has opened for public comment a proposal to use no more than $50,000 to cover closing costs associated with the transfer of nearly 100 undeveloped acres at the south end of Topsail Island.
Black history key to understanding Outer Banks’ past
Learn about Black history on the Outer Banks during a special event Feb. 28 at the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum on Roanoke Island.
Critically endangered right whale found dead off NC coast
The carcass of a critically endangered North Atlantic right whale was spotted about 25 miles offshore of Avon on Jan. 27.
Coastal attractions to close ahead of winter storm
Popular attractions including Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed through at least Monday morning.
