Shorebird nesting season is winding down

The 2022 shorebird nesting season is winding down, and visitors can expect to see more Hatteras and Ocracoke Island beaches reopening in the coming days and weeks, per an update from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

This past week, a one-mile stretch of beach near South Beach Road, (also known as old ORV Ramp 45), opened for walking, and additional vehicle access reopened south of ORV Ramp 72 on Ocracoke Island. In the coming weeks, it is anticipated that both Cape Point and South Point will reopen for vehicle and walking access, per the National Seashore. 

Also, the parking area at Ramp 38 has reopened after being closed during the Avon beach nourishment project, which was completed over the summer. The Buxton beach nourishment project is also expected to be complete within the next several weeks.

There will be upcoming temporary closures on some beaches as sea turtle nests enter hatch windows. Shortly after a nest hatches, the beach closure will be removed.

For more information, including current beach access updates within the National Seashore, visit https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.