Hello all.
I took my first summer trip to Metompkin Island yesterday, kayaking across
Metompkin Bay from Parkers Creek Landing. This is one of the barrier islands
owned by the Nature Conservancy...at least the southern half...and it's open to
the public for day use as long as you stay at the water's edge in breeding
season.
Anyway the trip started by having to wind through the tidal saltmarshes of
Parkers Creek, where I quickly picked up 2 SALTMARSH SPARROWS and several very
cooperative Clapper rails. A quick note on bugs: There are biting flies in the
marsh and on the island, but they weren't as bad as I expected...and unlike
Chinco, no mosquitos!
OK...so within an hour or so I was through the marsh and across the bay (a nice
workout). I targeted a small patch of sandy beach among the marsh and was
greeted by several Oystercatchers, Least terns, Willets and Seaside sparrows
singing everywhere. A quick walk through the dune (there is a trail at this
spot) and i was on the beach. I headed north for about 2 miles looking hard for
my target Wilson's plover...not to be. I did run into 2 researchers from
TNC...one of which said he'd seen them further north on the island. OK...so
here's what I did see: LOTS of Least terns, A Oystercatchers, and Piping
plovers
(counted 23 in just two miles of beach). I spotted my first ever baby Piping
plover running in the surf line...it took the "cutest animal" award from the
ghost crab that wanted to square off with me earlier. I also saw several Black
skimmers flying up and down shore and my second ever GULL-BILLED TERNS (2) of
the state. All in all a great outing...well worth the effort to get there.
Take care,
Ryan Kelley.