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The One and Only Outer Banks Big Day

10,000 Birds

Targets acquired, we piled into cars and headed south to Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges, the jewel of the Outer Banks, where we were likely to cross paths with the vast majority of our species for the day. In these marshes lie sparrows of a sort that have never been reliable on the islands. Photo by Nate Swick.

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Visitors on the Range

10,000 Birds

There are also rattlesnakes, amazing views, fascinating tales of history and prehistory, and of course, many birds. Things started on a promising note, with Mountain Bluebirds and the pale local race of Song Sparrow both evident in the visitor center parking lot. It’s hard to say.