From OcracokeObserver.com From early spring into late summer, a small, dark, pointed winged bird can be seen darting to and fro in search of its sustenance — flying insects. They are Purple Martins (Progne subis), and they have an amazing history of co-existence with people dating back centuries. They are present because of several condo-like […]
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From OcracokeObersver.com Over the past 10 years, Ocracoke has been a wintering ground for three fascinating bird species. In 2018 a Trumpeter Swan was present for several months and from December 26, 2013, to March 8, 2014, two Snowy Owls were observed from the dunes near the South Point to the airport and eventually, perching on the fence of […]
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From the Ocracoke Observer The cold open waters off Newfoundland may not seem like an ideal location to spend the winter. But it is for some, especially the Dovekie (Alle alle), a small seabird known as the Little Auk in Europe. Despite their diminutive size, weighing only seven ounces and with a wingspan of 15 […]
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From Ocracoke Observer Roman Catholics on Ocracoke finally have their own place to worship. The dedication of a newly built chapel, Stella Maris, celebrated by Luis Rafael Zarama, bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, along with several other priests, took place on the cool, windy, overcast morning of the last day of October. This secluded […]
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Just off the NCCAT campus in the Pamlico Sound is a new structure. Though it has a striking appearance, it is not a cell tower or even a modern sculpture. It is an Osprey nest platform. Islander Heather Johnson, who works at NCCAT (North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching), came up with the […]
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When you talk about amazing animals, consider adding the Great Shearwater to the mix. They can fly between waves of 40 feet or higher in hurricane-like weather. Large seabirds — 20 inches in length with a 3.5- to 4-foot wingspan – they get their name from their ability to navigate between swells, seemingly cutting, […]
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Ocracoke has two churches, the Life Saving Church on Lighthouse Road and the Ocracoke United Methodist Church on School Road. These are Protestant churches. Although there has never been a Roman Catholic church on the island, masses have been held at various times over the years. That will soon change as the Diocese of Raleigh […]
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If one were to produce an event that would be pure Ocracoke, an attraction for both islanders and visitors, one might say, how about figs? Eight years ago, people did and the Ocracoke Fig Festival has become a major summer attraction. The recent event Aug. 4 to 6 drew about 300 attendees and another round […]
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It may surprise some that Ocracoke does not have a pharmacy. The Ocracoke Health Center has relied on next-day prescription deliveries from Beach Pharmacy located in Hatteras village. Islanders then go to the health center to retrieve their medicines. But it is not possible to get them on weekends since the health center operates Monday […]
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Even though he says his first attempt at decoy carving yielded “the ugliest bird you ever saw,” the folk-art form grabbed John Simpson back in 1975. Simpson, who is the featured carver at this year’s Ocracoke Waterfowl Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Berkley Barn, is also the president of the […]
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