A swallowtail butterfly peeks around the blossom of a Mexican sunflower Tuesday in a garden near Russell Creek in Carteret County. Photo: Dylan Ray
nature
Pender to celebrate Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s 45th birthday
Burgaw Parks and Recreation, Surf City Parks and Recreation, Moores Creek National Battlefield and Pender County Tourism are hosting 1- to 2-mile hikes in September.
Winding waters
The waters of upper Ward Creek near Otway in Down East Carteret County are shown in this Thursday aerial. The creek flows into the North River where its meets water from the ocean to create conditions considered favorable for tasty oysters. Photo: Dylan Ray
Ranger-guided paddles encourage ecosystem appreciation
Away from the bustling summer crowds, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s new “Kayak with a Ranger” program allows participants to get close to and appreciate nature during guided paddles of the salt marshes and waters of Pamlico Sound.
Delivery service
An endangered red-cockaded woodpecker flies in to his nesting cavity with a spider in in his beak for the awaiting chicks inside. Red-cockaded woodpeckers are an endemic species of the longleaf pine forest and were placed on the endangered species list due to the destruction of nesting habitat. Longleaf pine forests once covered an area the size of the Amazon across the southeastern United States. But today, less than 10% of this forest remains. Photo: Jared Lloyd
Frequent flyers
A trio of great crested flycatchers gather momentarily Saturday in a tree at Sandy Run Park in Kitty Hawk. According to the Audubon Guide to North American Birds, flycatchers are more often heard — especially the males’ loud calls — than seen, as they prefer wooded areas. Photo: Kip Tabb
Water colors
Clouds settle over Town Marsh in Beaufort during a recent summer evening. Photo : Dylan Ray
Summer thyme
An assassin bug sets a trap for its prey near a blooming thyme plant in Beaufort. Photo: Dylan Ray
Mighty cypress
A cypress tree stands tall just off the shoreline of the Neuse River near James City. Photo: Dylan Ray
Fox boxing
Fox kits roughhouse in a clearing on the edge of the Croatan National Forest. Photo: Dylan Ray
Quiet calm
A lone paddleboarder moves over the slick waters of Onslow Bay near the Bogue Inlet Pier in Emerald Isle. Photo: Dylan Ray
Pea Island welcomes Canada goslings
Canada goslings are among the newest residents of Pea island National Wildlife Refuge Most of the Canada geese on the refuge during the winter months are migratory and have already migrated out. But over the years, a few pairs have stayed on refuge all year. Canada geese are known for flying in V-formation and for their loud honking. Most Canada goose pairs stay together for life. The goslings may stay with the parents for their entire first year.
Wildlife Commission says snakes are out too, so coexist
If you see a snake on the trail, in the yard or on the street, don’t worry, just give it room, but state officials ask you to report if you spot rattlers or pine snakes.
Flock party
Judy L., of Morehead City, who says she’s also known as “the Bread Lady,” feeds the gulls at Fort Macon State Park on the east end of Bogue Banks.
Weakfish prolific spawners in North Carolina waters
It’s estimated that weakfish can spawn as many as 66 times per season, which is longer in North Carolina than in areas to the north.
Led to water, but not to drink
Wild mares enter the salty water between Town Marsh and Carrot Island in the Rachel Carson Reserve along Taylor’s Creek in Beaufort. Photo: Dylan Ray
