Our second wildlife refuge on this Outer Banks trip was Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. It sits on the north end of Hatteras Island. The refuge is a haven for migrating birds. Over 370 species have been identified here!
Three trails are available in the refuge for hiking and wildlife viewing. We did the two with trailheads along the highway.
North Pond Wildlife Trail
This 0.6-mile trail starts behind the Visitor Center. It is an easy path and can be universally accessible but the terrain switches from a wooden boardwalk to a paved sidewalk to a gravel path. Visitors walk the trail on top of the dike between North Pond and New Field Ponds.
We started on a bridge over the turtle pond full of sliders and snapping turtles. There were also several boat-tailed grackles bouncing around this area as well.
Then we walked under arching hedges which formed a green tunnel.
Along the gravel path are three viewing platforms facing the New Field Ponds. In the bushes on that side, we saw red-winged blackbirds and a blue grosbeak.
On the North Pond side of the trail, we spied laughing gulls, least terns, and tricolored herons flying overhead. A snowy egret stalked in the pond. Every few minutes fish would randomly pop up from the water for two or three jumps before disappearing.
One grass section below was roped off for a killdeer nest.
Finally, at the end of this trail is a double-decker observation tower. From here you get 360-degree views of the ponds and marshland.
Randomly, we happened to be there on the one day a year they let people drive around North Pond. It was the Crabbing Rodeo on the second Saturday in June. I was so confused at first about why they were waving cars through!
Salt Flats Wildlife Trail
Salt Flats is a short 0.15-mile path at the north end of North Pond. This easy, narrow trail walks along the top of the dike between North Pond and the Salt Flats area. The salt flats on this side of the refuge offer opportunities for different wildlife than the North Pond Trail.
There is a small parking pull-off; however, there is no signage along the road so keep your eyes peeled. After a quick climb over a sand dune, we were on the trail. Immediately after the dune, we spotted dozens of birds in the North Pond to our left including Canada geese, white ibises, and snowy egrets.
Least terns and black skimmers flew overhead.
The trail ends at a raised observation platform. Across from this platform, man-made islands formed perfect diagonals in the water. They help with erosion and are used as nesting places. On the nearby rocks, six double-crested cormorants swam and sunned.
As we made the turn back to the car, a flash of a little gray fox ran over the dike and into the bushes on the salt flats side! We held still for a long time hoping it would reappear, but it was hiding.
For those looking for a longer hike, the 2.3-mile North Pond Levee Trail connects the two trails above. Those wanting some sun and sand only have to cross NC-12 and climb over a dune to be in the Atlantic Ocean. Be aware that during the summer, refuge staff close areas to protect nesting sea turtles and birds.