The sky over Brunswick County abounds with white ibises this time of year, many of which nest and raise their young at Battery Island near Southport, considered a colony of global importance.
Our Coast
Battle Brews Over Frisco UFO House
The owner of the Frisco “UFO house” wants to preserve the unusual landmark, an area attraction since the early 1970s, and turn it into a souvenir shop, but county officials say the structure meets no building codes.
Our Celestial Coast: What to Look For in July
Coastal weather conditions in June made celestial photography a challenge but Earth’s neighbor Venus and gas giants Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune will be visible in July.
Officials Dedicate First NC Heritage Dive Site
The Department of Cultural and Natural Resources recently dedicated the states first Heritage Dive Site, the wreck of a Civil War blockade runner off Kure Beach, and more are planned.
Ten Ways to ‘Mess With’ A Tomato Sandwich
A white bread tomato sandwich with mayonnaise, salt and pepper could be the official summer food of the N.C. coast, but our Liz Biro offers 10 perfectly acceptable variations on the classic.
Waterfowl Museum to Celebrate 25 Years
A tribute to Harkers Island musicians will be part of Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s 25th anniversary celebration June 23-24.
Screech Owls of the Longleaf Pines
Spending time alone in the deep longleaf pine forest, nature photographer Jared Lloyd has developed his own theories about the coloring of the eastern screech owl.
Birding on the Banks: Brown Pelicans
Nearly wiped out during the 1960s and ’70s, brown pelicans are now common on the N.C. coast, thanks mainly to conservation efforts and a ban on DDT insecticides.
Report: Parks, Nature Boost Coast’s Economy
The appeal of national parks and natural areas on the North Carolina coast brought in more than $215 million in visitor spending in 2016, according to a recent National Park Service report.
Our Celestial Coast: Jupiter, Saturn in June
Gas giants Jupiter and Saturn offer great viewing during June, with or without a telescope, and Saturn will be at its closest to Earth at mid-month.
Roaming Bear? Caution But Don’t Be Alarmed
Despite concern over reported black bear sightings in coastal North Carolina communities, wildlife experts say it’s not that unusual to see them out and about this time of year.
Researchers Reveal OBX Shipwreck Stories
As the 75th anniversary of the sinking of two World War II vessels off the Outer Banks approaches, researchers dive deep to uncover secrets that went down with the ships all those years ago.
Lost Colony Production To Celebrate 80 Years
America’s longest-running outdoor symphonic drama, “The Lost Colony,” celebrates its 80th year this Friday at its opening show, which features high-tech upgrades and alumni appearances.
Our Coast’s Food: Spring Cheese Straws
Long a staple at social gatherings along the North Carolina coast, cheese straws blend the pungent sharpness of cheddar with a bit of heat from cayenne pepper.
Geodynamics: Mapping Beaches, Inlets
Coastal processes, such as erosion, accretion and channel migration, can be complex, but a Carteret County firm has technology and tools to make clear what’s happening.
Our Coast: Honoring British Allies of WWII
Since 1942, the lives of British soldiers who defended the Atlantic coast, including North Carolina’s, during World War II have been honored during ceremonies on the Outer Banks.

















