Special Update: Atlantic Beach, Bogue Banks, North Carolina - Carolina Chickadee, Purple Martin

On family vacation in North Carolina, I took some time out to do some local birding - I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised.  Birds on the ocean side included Brown Pelicans, Laughing Gulls, Terns,Willetts and Boat Tailed Grackles.  I think the Willetts were feeding on small coquina type clams in the surf.  Laughing Gulls were by far the most numerous type of gull seen.

The marsh side of the island had a lot more variety - the most common were Tri-Colored, Little Blue, Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Killdeer, and White Ibis.  Also seen were Clapper Rails, and a Black Skimmer.

Songbirds included Carolina Chickadee, Purple Martin (2 new lifers) and the more common types such as Mourning Doves, Robins, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, etc.

Turkey Vultures were abundant during most of the trip (only starting to show up in decent numbers on Long Island recently)  A nice parting gift was seeing a few Cattle Egrets on the drive back and likely a Black Vulture also.

Purple Martin

Tri-Colored Heron