Confetti Lantana

For years of living and working here, every summer I’ve always had at least a handful of tourists who expressed an interest in the local plants.  It’s occurred to me that perhaps a little tutorial is probably in order.

   
Honeysuckle                                                       Oleander

There are many lantana bushes around the island, with pink and yellow blossoms.  Honeysuckle abounds here, some a white-yellow mixture and some red.  Oleander bushes, marked by their pink or white blooms and narrow leaves, can be spotted in just about every yard.  And, of course, we have an astounding array of live oaks.  A word to the wise, folks – though lantana and oleander are both very pretty, they are highly toxic to both animals and people.  If handled, it’s best to wash your hands before you eat or drink.


Live Oak at Springer's Point

One of our “celebrity” plants is the brightly colored, daisy-like red and yellow Gaillardia flower, locally known as the “Joe Bell.”  According to a popular legend, the original flower seeds were brought here by a man named Joe Bell.  He came to Ocracoke lovesick and broken-hearted because his lady love had married another; he moved here to escape his lost love.  He planted flower seeds until one day he was found lying dead in a patch of the beautiful blooms.  Local lore says that as long as Joe Bells continue to bloom on Ocracoke, so does the spirit of the man named Joe Bell.


Gaillardia (Joe Bell)

Fred Mallison, the nephew of Mr. Bell, says that while his uncle did bring Gaillardia seeds to the Outer Banks, it was not because of a broken heart.  It makes a good story, though, and, as the flowers thrive in our sandy soil and dry, hot summer sun, it’s a lovely thought that they celebrate the spirit of the man who so carefully tended them.


Yaupon

The native yaupon shrub or tree (depending on size), with its red berries, is found in great profusion over the island.  Its leaves and twigs have been dried as a tea for centuries.  Croatan Indians on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands used the tea, called the “Black Drink”, for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, and traded it with their neighbors to the west.  Later residents enjoyed it as a replacement for Asian tea and coffee, as it is high in caffeine, especially during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars when they were difficult to obtain.  Many of Ocracoke’s old-timers remember their parents and grandparents drinking yaupon tea.  It is claimed that yaupon tea can be used as a stimulant, a tonic, an aphrodisiac, and a cure for hangovers.  Do not, however, attempt to make a tea from fresh ingredients, as the raw plant is toxic and acts as a purgative.  The leaves must be smoked or dried to cure out the toxins.  The Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum sells the dry tea, and, though I’m not certain, there may be a couple of stands on the island that do as well.


Fig tree with unripened figs

Of course, who can forget the fig trees?  Those of you who have been to the island before may or may not have noticed, but Ocracoke is full to bursting with fig trees, and many varieties, too.  There’s something about our sandy soil and hot climate that they love.  Some of the varieties are Sugar (the sweetest), Brown Turkey, Pound, Lemon and Celeste.  Most of the Ocracoke figs begin to ripen in mid-July and can continue all the way into late September.  In many restaurants you can order fig cake for dessert; I highly recommend you try Ocracoke fig cake if you haven’t yet.  Fig preserves can be purchased at the OPS Museum, the Variety Store, Woccocon Gifts on Lighthouse Road, the Community Store, and The Village Craftsmen.


Ripe figs

So there you have it – a crash course in Ocracoke flora!  I’m sure I’m forgetting some plants, but this is just a basic run-through of those you’ll most likely come in contact with.

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi

This year’s July 4^th saw much fun to be had.  With activities like a sand sculpture contest, sky-diving show, parade, square dance, and countless musical acts, it was a good time for all ages.  I and my friend Heather had breakfast at the Pony Island Restaurant (mmmmm, salsa cheese eggs…), and then biked up to the Lifeguard beach to take in the sand art.  There were some great entries, and I believe “Squidditch” – Harry Potter riding a broom with a squid for bristles – took “Best in Show”.  Though the ocean was in one of her moods that morning and there was a rather strong current, we still stopped for quick dip.  It was hot and the water was just so enticing (and worth the waves).  We only went hip deep, though, as anyone who doesn’t want to risk being yanked out to sea should when the rip currents are that close to shore.

As we rode our bikes back into town, we realized we had made a judgment error in wind direction and found ourselves facing 20 mph wind gusts.  While we normally know better, even locals make mistakes, folks.  Learn from ours, and be aware of wind direction when you take it into your head to go for a long bike ride.  Needless to say, we were both breathless by the time we reached my house, and so, naturally, a dip in the pool seemed a likely prescription to remedy this.  It was more than that – it was an enlightening, out-of-body experience, and as we floated on our backs, we watched the sky-divers drift by overhead.  Then it was off to assist in the Jeopardy float for the parade.

Local Emmet Temple, cousin to Charles Temple, came up with the Jeopardy float idea, and asked us if we we’d lend a hand.  We turned the back of a truck into a Jeopardy set, and all three contestants were dressed to look like Charles, while Emmet, posing as Alex Trebek, asked questions in which all the answers were, “Who is Charles Temple?”  I thought it clever – or as Emmet put it, “clever coconut.”  Now, did I bother to make Charles aware of this?  Of course not, and I’m sure I’ll hear it when I go to Vermont in a couple days to see him (he’s there working for the summer, and, no, Vermont, you can’t keep him.)

So once Heather and I finished adding final touches to the float and dressing the kids like Charles, we went our separate ways for the day – Heather off to cook for a potluck, and I off to find my Mom and watch the parade.  The parade was great, and there were some really creative floats.  Of course, the Jeopardy float was my favorite, but, hey, I’m biased.  If that float hadn’t been in the running, though, my hands-down favorite would have been Ocracoke Coffee Company’s float – a giant, moving, eye-smoking (her eyes literally were smoking) Medusa head with accompanying shield-and-spear-wielding Spartans.  The sign read something about caffeine and taming the beast (sorry, guys, my memory is only so good).  It was pretty fantastic.

After the parade, I took an hour break.  The heat had started to get to me, and I decided it was time to hide in the AC with a book for a bit.  By the way, folks, I highly recommend listening to your body in these instances.  If you’ve been out in the heat or on the beach all day and you suddenly feel unsteady or even just tired and squeamish, chances are you need to get inside for a little while.  Heat exhaustion can come out of nowhere, and it can be particularly nasty if you don’t try to get a handle on it right away.  My hiding out seemed to do the trick because an hour later I was helping my Mom with a cookout, and then we were off to SmacNally’s to hear a great reggae band called Donovan and the Posse.  From there we went down to the Community Square to hear the Aaron Caswell Band, a local favorite that did not disappoint.

It was at this point I should’ve gone home, but, of course, didn’t, and 7 am the next day dawned way too quickly – bright, cheery and terribly annoying.  Oh well, it’s the price you pay for a good time now and then.

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi


I wanted to add just a bit to this blog. I spent part of the day with Chrisi and I have to say it was one of the best days I have had in a long time. Chrisi's mom, Cyndi, and I worked part of the day but after that the fun began. We also went out to see the sand sculptures but we did not ride bikes. We caught a glimpse of the skydivers and found out later one of them had been injured resulting in 2 broken legs.


We watched the parade and I have to say that it was one of the best ones in a few years. It was just the right length and moved along pretty well. After the parade it was time to cool off and then cook...BBQ chicken thighs, summer pasta salad, corn on the cob, tomato pie and much, MUCH more. Laughter on the porch with friends and then off to listen to music with other friends, neighbors and guests. Everyone seemed to be having a really great time.


None of us took the time to take pictures because we were enjoying ourselves too much but I did manage to "borrow" some from a friend. Thanks to Jason Wells, co-owner of Jason's Restaurant, for letting me use some of his pictures. It looks like Jason and his family had a great day as well!!


Jason's son, Griffin, enjoying the day!


Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop 290 raising the flag!


Oldies but goodies!


Lemonade anyone?


Bouncy stuff!


Kids love bouncy stuff!


Shark!


Squidditch!


Sand car!


Coffee Company Medusa!


Champions: Ocracoke Raptors!


Who is Charles Temple?


Kabobs! Yummy!


Ribs & hot dogs! Yummy!


Friends, family, kids, good times!! That's what it's
all about!!

            

Ok, so while this isn’t a particularly glamorous post, due to recent incidents, I feel that it’s a pertinent one.  I want to talk about golf carts and scooters.  There are multiple places on Ocracoke to rent them, and they are a great and leisurely way to see the island.  Now, while I realize visitors are on vacation and are looking to have fun, you still need to be aware of the rules of the road. 

Golf carts and scooters operate by the same rules as cars, but protect you a lot less if there should be an accident.  Both vehicles often can’t go the full speed limit, so it’s important you be aware of your surroundings.  While I’m not saying it’s right or acceptable, there’s bound to be cars that will tailgate you due to the lower speed.  If you’re going to make a turn, try to know in advance where you’re turning – that is, don’t abruptly hit your breaks.  If you have signals, use them.  If not, use hand signals to give cars behind you a head’s up.  It doesn’t matter if you know the “official” hand signals; sticking your arm out of the vehicle and pointing to the direction you’re turning works just as well.

Wear a helmet when driving a scooter; it’s the law.  If there are seatbelts in your golf cart, use them.  If not, and you have children in the cart, make sure they’re where you can see them.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen kids riding in the back almost tumble out of a golf cart because they were horsing around while the adults are in the front where they can’t see what’s going on.

Most importantly, do not drink and drive.  Recently, two separate golf cart accidents have occurred due to driving under the influence.  And I don’t mean they were hit by a drunk driver in a car.  We all know alcohol does not a genius make – we’ve all been there, and I’ll go ahead and raise my hand on that one, too.  While golf carts and scooters seem harmless enough, they are just as dangerous and potentially fatal as any other vehicle when alcohol is introduced into the equation.  People were very seriously hurt in both accidents – they had to be flown off the island and taken into the ICU.

No one wants to restrict your fun, but we don’t want you to end up in intensive care while on vacation either.  Ocracoke natives certainly don’t want that for any visitors.  While Ocracoke seems a world away from everything, the island still abides by the same laws that govern the rest of the country.  Please remember there are rules of the road that still need to be adhered to.  Vacation safely.


If you are renting a golf cart...this is NOT ok!!

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi

I can't believe we are less than a week away from July 4th!! Seems like it was just springtime! This has been one of those years that took off running as soon as it started. Easter was the latest I remember it ever being so by the time it arrived most all of the businesses were open and ready to go.

There was some talk about having fireworks this year but it didn't work out. Considering the dry weather we have had it is probably a good thing. There is already a ban on beach fires that recently went into effect so please pay attention to any notices hanging in the rental office or on the bulletin boards around town when you arrive.

Please remember that all pyrotechnics (fireworks, firecrackers, sparklers, etc) are banned on Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.

If you are going to be on the island for Independence Day here are some events you can look forward to:

9 am
Flag Raising Ceremony
School Circle
Ocracoke Boy Scouts

10 am till 2 pm
Bouncy House
Boyette Condo Yard
Assembly of God Church fundraiser
(children must be accompanied by an adult)

9:30 am till Noon
35th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest
Lifeguard Beach

10 am till 2 pm
Classic Cars
Pony Island Motel lawn

10 am till 2 pm
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Open for Public Viewing
(walking suggested; very limited parking)

1 pm
The Herd Skydiving
Pony Island Motel lawn
Exact time is weather dependent

3 pm
Old Time Ocracoke Parade
Pre-register by 6 pm Sunday, July 3rd (encouraged but not required)
Forms available at the Post Office and all over.
Check in by 2 pm on the 4th at Sweet Tooth

The route begins on Hwy 12 at Jimmy's Buffet, left on Lighthouse Rd, right on Creek Rd, right on Silver Lake Dr, follow road around harbor to parade's end @ NPS parking lot.
National Anthem, entertainment and prizes for parade winners.

5 pm till 6 pm
Donald Davis Stories
Books To Be Red yard
(bring a chair)

6:30 pm till ?
Community Square Dancing
w/Phillip Howard, caller, and music by Dave Tweedie, Aaron Caswell and Coyote

Check local bulletin boards for updates and specifics about happenings around the village.
Live broadcasting by our own WOVV-Ocracoke Village Voice, 90.1 FM

Ocracoke Island Realty wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!! Have fun but be safe!!

6/16/11

Yesterday was an incredible day.  Sure, Ocracoke has plenty of sunny, blue-skied days, but I’m pretty sure yesterday topped them all.  There was a nice easterly breeze that lowered the temperature easily by five degrees anywhere it came in contact with.  I had the afternoon off, and had been dying to do some kind of outdoor activity that involved the water.  Kayaking was my first idea, as it’s one of my favorite pastimes, and something I rarely get to do lately.  The word “sailing”, however, was offered as an option, and it was quickly decided that the day was perfect for a sail.

             We slipped along in the sound for a good two hours, riding the near-perfect winds that seemed to be drummed up just for us.  With the rhythmic slapping of the waves and crackle of the sails, it’s easy to fall into a kind of trance.  It wasn’t long before I found myself in such a state, and, as I stared out at the endless water and sky, I thought about how much we take for granted.  I know, I know – it’s an age-old lesson.  We’ve all heard it or felt it from time to time.  Yet, still, it bears thinking upon.

            Don’t get me wrong – I love living on Ocracoke.  But I realized in the day-to-day toil and grind, I’ve come to neglect key parts of the island and have overlooked that which I do love so much, like being on the water.  I think the closest I ever came to seeing Ocracoke from a tourist’s perspective was when I was in college.  A twelve-hour trip meant home visits were rare, and, so, when I was able to come home for a bit I relished every second of it.  I walked on the beach everyday, I found excuses to get in the water probably every couple hours, and I relaxed. 

            It’s this appreciation that makes tourists very lucky.  They get to see treasures for the first time that we locals see everyday.  In our daily errands or rides to work, everything begins to blur together.  Of course, I’m not saying we’re blind to what we have; you won’t find a local who wouldn’t say they’re blessed to live here.  Sometimes, though, maybe we don’t lend enough mental awareness and time to the enjoyment of island pursuits.  So I decided to make a list, for locals and visitors alike, of things we should make time for, or, in the visitors’ case, be aware of as possibilities.  There’s a cornucopia of outdoor Ocracoke activities alone, so I’ll narrow the list down for now.

Kayaking – In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to see Ocracoke intimately.  You can paddle out to little sandbar islands and have a picnic, or just drift along the contours of the island, spotting all manner of wildlife that doesn’t necessarily venture into the village.  Don’t have a kayak?  There are plenty places to rent one on the island, and even pick up a guided tour.

Sailing – Of course not everyone owns a sailboat, and for those who aren’t fortunate to have friends who do, there’s always a sunset cruise to be had on the Windfall II.  There’s just something so special and ageless to the feel of sailing.  Trust me on this one, you won’t regret it.

Fishing – Whether in the surf, the sound or the Gulf, fishing is a very exciting way to experience Ocracoke.  From the beginning, fishing was the primary way to make a living before the island became accessible.  It’s not only a way of life, but an integral part of Ocracoke’s history.  Plus, there isn’t much that can compare to the initial thrill of a tug on your line and the adrenaline rush of fighting to reel in your catch.  You just can’t beat it.  For visitors, there are multiple charter boats that can take you out for a day of fishing.

Clamming – One of the biggest things I love about summer is clamming.  I’m a big proponent for providing for oneself, and clamming is such a nice, relaxing way to bring home some dinner.  Don’t get me wrong - there’s work involved, and your arms will get sore, but you get to spend all day in the water and taking your time observing aquatic habitats while hauling in potential clam casinos, fritters and chowder.

Visit Portsmouth – Ocracoke’s “sister” island, Portsmouth is located a hop, skip and a jump just southwest of us.  You can take a charter boat over for the day and visit the historic village.  Or you can spend the entire day on Portsmouth’s beach, and there’s a good chance you may never see a single person there, giving you the impression that the island was reserved just for you.  Portsmouth reminds a lot of the older Ocracoke natives what it was like growing up here.  It’s rife with nostalgia, which can even be picked up on by tourists. 

And, of course, even just beach bumming is more than a sufficient way to attain appreciation for sun, sand and water.  So if you’re a visitor, get out there and really experience some of the best Ocracoke has to offer.  If you’re a local, sure, we’ve all got to make a living, but we all need a break once in awhile just for mental health’s sake.  Go out and rediscover the things you love best about Ocracoke.

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi

The combined scores of Darvin Contreras, Liam Caswell & Colby Austin
secured Ocracoke's title of "Fastest Elementary School On The Outer
Banks"


Ocracoke School Awarded “Fastest Elementary School on the Outer Banks”

The Nags Head Woods 5K race was run on May 7th. There were over 400 runners in the race. Awards were given to the top three runners overall and to the top three runners in each age group.

A team trophy was awarded to the "Fastest Elementary School on the Outer Banks" - for schools entering students in the 5K (3.1 miles), grades 1-5. The team scores were determined by adding up the fastest three times for each school and the team with the overall fastest time won. Ocracoke School came in first, Hatteras Elementary came in second and Nags Head Elementary came in third.

All of the three fastest elementary times were posted by Ocracoke students. First place was 5th grader, Liam Caswell with a time of 22:39. Second place was 5th grader, Darvin Contreras with a time of 23:53. Third place was 4th grader, Colby Austin with a time of 23:55.

The trophy was donated by Dr. William Claypoole of Claypoole OBX Orthodontics. The trophy was presented by Mr. Noel Hardy on May 19th after Ocracoke School was engraved onto it for 2011. The dolphins will have to defend the trophy next year.

The results for Ocracoke school runners are:

Boys 8 & under

2nd Reese Gaskins, 8  30:32

Boys 9-10

1st Liam Caswell, 10  22:39

2nd Darvin Contreras, 10  23:53

3rd Colby Austin, 9  23:55

Sam Evans, 10  26:57

David Styron, 9 26:58

Joseph Dow, 9  42:13

Girls 9-10

1st Taylor Fuller, 10  28:27

Boys 11-12

3rd Kyle Tillett, 11 22:52

Matteus Gilbert, 11  25:14

Girls 11-12

1st Karen Perez, 11  25:15

2nd Sydney Austin, 11  27:16

Sierra Winstead, 11 28:59

Kaylee Gaskins, 12  30:08

Boys 13-15

1st Carlos DeLao, 14  19:53 (9th overall!)

2nd Kevin Perez, 13  22:20

1 mile Fun Run

Ethan O’Neal

Mila Ortiz

Ashlee Zito

Emily Trejo

Also Lulu Perez won a second in her age group and Kitty Mitchell won a second in her age group.

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi

MISFIT MERMAIDS: Me, Rhonda, Sarah, Jennifer, Vera, Jenny


The 28th Annual OISFT is now history but a good time was had by all. There were lots of sunburned faces at the pig picking and awards party on Friday night.

The weather was pretty good overall considering what it has been in past years. The first set on the first day was mostly sunny but windy...kind of cool. Actually it was warmer in the water than on the beach. The afternoon set was absolutely beautiful. You could not have asked for a better beach day! Warm temps, not hot...light breeze, turquoise colored water...fantastic! Of course, this weather is usually not conducive to catching fish but that is ok.


First morning on the beach. Look closely above my head and
you can see 2 fishing lines...we were serious!!

The second day was slightly less pleasant...weather-wise...It was cooler and the wind blew pretty good all day. It was sunny though and that helped keep it from being too cold. The surf and the current was a lot rougher than it had been on the previous day. The first fishing set of the second day is when it happened...Vera caught a fish!!!! Not just any old fish...a 33 1/2 inch bluefish!! Woo Hoo!! Talk about some happy girls...49 points for the Misfit Mermaids. We were on the board. One fish put us in first place in the Women's Division and 4th place overall. This was also the biggest fish caught by a female in the tournament. This certainly gave us the fever to catch more fish! However, if we didn't catch any more fish, we still had to make it through the rest of the day without anyone beating us.


Let me now take a moment to introduce the Misfit Mermaids. Our team captain, Jennifer Esham, is the owner of Blue Heron Realty. She is one of the first people I worked with when I first came to the island oh so many years ago.
Team member Sarah Fiore is the owner of Bella Fiore Pottery, located on the Back Road next to the Back Porch Restaurant. Sarah also works at Cafe Atlantic and is another long time friend.
Team member Jenny Mason manages Ocracoke Trading Company located on Highway 12 next to Ride The Wind Surf Shop. Jenny rents her home (Sea Glass) out in the summer months through Ocracoke Island Realty. I have known Jenny and her family since right after moving to the island.
Team member Rhonda Mason (Jenny's Aunt) works at the Variety Store, owns and helps operate Corky's Clams. She is also known as Sugah Mamma.
Team member Vera Attaway...first time fisher person...is a North Carolina girl who is settled in Ocracoke (for the moment). She works at Gaffers Sports Pub.
I love all of these girls!!
And then there is me. Ocracoke Island Realty maintenance coordinator and blog writer. Also first time fisher person.

We had a great time on the beach this year! I am already looking forward to next year! Vera is the only one on our team who caught a fish but there is no "I" in "team" so we all shared in the glory!!
Each team has 6 members and may have 1 alternate.
There are 17 pairs of judges. Each pair patrols a marked stretch of beach making sure all teams are following the rules and checking each fish that is caught.
All fish caught are required to be released if possible.
Last year there were 668 total fish caught. This year there were 175 total fish caught. That just goes to show how bad the overall fishing was this year.
Ocracoke's radio station, WOVV (90.1 FM), covered the entire fishing tournament. Dave & Bill were all over the place doing interviews, sharing information and commenting on the action.

The last day of the tournament the Carolina Boys went down the beach to each station providing sausage on loaf bread. It was delicious! These guys also cooked and served the BBQ dinner at the awards party and let me tell you that was some good food!

After dinner was served and devoured it was time for the raffle drawings and the awards ceremony. Here are the winners:

Overall Winners

1st Place: Oceanside Anglers (for the second year in a row)
2nd Place: Team Diawa
3rd Place: Ocracoke Internationals

Top Female Teams

1st Place: Showstoppers (49 points with a 33 1/4 inch bluefish...won the tie breaking coin toss)
2nd Place: Misfit Mermaids (49 points with a 33 1/2 inch bluefish...lost the tie breaking coin toss...7th place overall)
3rd Place: Fishin' Pelicans

Most Fish

Male: John McGee of the Oceanside Anglers with 5 fish
Female: Ginger Wojciechowski of the Outcasters with 4 fish

Largest Fish

Male: Emery Pajer of the Ocrajokers...35 inch bluefish
Female: Vera Attaway of the Misfit Mermaids...33 1/2 inch bluefish

Session Winners

1st Session: Cape Hatteras Anglers
2nd Session: Ocrajokers
3rd Session: Oceanside Anglers
4th Session: Team Diawa


Proceeds (after expenses) are divided between 4 Ocracoke non-profit organizations...Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, Ocracoke Youth Center, Ocracoke Child Care and the Sigma Willis Memorial Scholarship Fund for Ocracoke School.

All in all we had a great time on the beach fishing, spending time with good friends, laughing and, yes, drinking.
Thank you, Misfit Mermaids, for inviting me to be a part of your team. I am looking forward to next year!!

It is that time of year, friends and neighbors, for the annual Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. This is the 28th year for this event. Registration is Wednesday, May 4. Anglers will fish Thursday, May 5th, and Friday, May 6th, with 2 fishing sets each day...8 am to 11 am and 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

After the registration, judges' meeting and captains' meeting on Wednesday there will be a kick off gathering at Howard's Pub with entertainment provided by the Mighty Saints Of Soul.
Following a day of fishing on Thursday, DJ Buster Nunemaker will be at Howard's Pub beginning at 8 pm. Friday, beginning at 5:30 pm, there will be a pig picking for the anglers at the Community Center tent and let me tell you that is some good eating!! An awards party will begin at 7 pm and after the trophies and prizes are awarded to the winning teams and raffle prizes are drawn, entertainment will be provided by DJ Buster Nunemaker.

I have been to the pig picking a couple of times and I have learned to time any daytime travel around the parade of trucks going to and from the beach but I have never participated in the tournament. I am not a surf fisher...never been interested in it before and don't really have any interest in learning. It just isn't my thing. I have always thought that these tournament anglers must really have a good time though.They plan for this way ahead and there is very seldom an opening for new teams.

Even though I don't care about surf fishing. I am quite excited this year because I was invited to be on a team. Mind you, I was not the first choice but that's ok. (I've always secretly wanted to participate in some way or another at least once.)  I am looking forward to spending some quality beach time with some very good friends!! I have known all but one of my teammates for many, many years. In fact, the team captain is one of the first people I worked with when I moved to Ocracoke. (Remember those Sunday lunches at the Pony, Jennifer?) I have known the other teammate a shorter amount of time but I consider her a good friend and she will fit right in there with the rest of us.

I will try to get some pictures and post them after the tournament. It looks like the weather is going to be great!

Wish us luck!! We are the Misfit Mermaids!!
Tight lines, OISFT anglers!!

For the past couple of months most everyone who works in the office at Ocracoke Island Realty, along with thousands of others across the country and around the world, has been watching the Norfolk Botanical Garden Eagle Cam. I think our office started watching around the time the first of three eggs hatched.

We have enjoyed watching the eaglets grow from hatchlings to self feeding. We have learned many interesting facts about the parent eagles and eagles in general. We have watched the parents feed and protect the babies. We have watched the babies establish pecking order. We have watched them grow through awkward phases such as the development of those clown-like yellow feet. We have watched the progression of feather growth...from down to adult-like feathers.

We have watched this eagle family closely for the last couple of months and somehow feel a great kinship with them. The fourth grade class at Ocracoke School raised money to help support the eagle cam and many classrooms around the country have monitored the eaglets progress since they hatched. The camera link has been shared through e-mails, blogs, Facebook and Twitter and who knows how else. A good portion of Ocracoke has been watching. 

Sadly, the mother eagle was killed yesterday in a collision with an airplane. Many tears were shed and comments and condolences poured into the moderated chat and the Facebook page. It is such an emotional thing for so many. It is akin to losing a close friend or family member.

The NGB had to make a fast decision as to the eaglets immediate and future well-being. They could leave the eaglets in the nest and hope that the father could continue raising them on his own. The problem with this solution was the concern that the father would not have been able to provide enough down the road to sustain all 3 eaglets and help them achieve adulthood.
There was the option of trying to foster the eaglets out into other eagle nests. The problem with that solution is that...if they could find three other eagle nests to house the youngsters...the foster parents could reject the new eaglets. Also...the eaglet siblings would have been separated. They are now at an age where they recognize that they are eagles and they know that they are siblings.

The third solution was to remove the eaglets from the nest and transport them to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, Virginia, to be raised in an eagle habitat until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Of course, this is the solution that was chosen and I have to agree that it is probably the best solution.

The eaglets will be housed in an artificial nest in WVC's 200 foot eagle flight cage. Physical barriers will be in place to keep them separated from other eagles but they will be able to see them, watch them and learn from them. Once the eaglets fledge (learn to fly) the barriers will be removed and the eaglets will be able to fly around and build their wing strength. If all goes well the hope is that the eaglets will be ready for release this summer.

One thing that is easy to forget when you are watching wildlife, such as this eagle family, is that they are, in fact, wild life. As we watched their daily life via webcam they are not even aware that we exist. Even as we laugh and cry and learn so much from them...they really have no idea that they have touched us all in so many ways and taught us so much. They have triggered much emotion from us humans but did we trigger any in them? How could we? Wildlife runs on instinct, not emotion. We greatly mourn the death of the eaglets' mother and the father's mate...but do the eaglets and the father mourn as well? Or does it just disturb their daily routine? Will we ever know? Most likely not. The eaglets will adapt to their new home and eventually, hopefully, be released into the wild to make their own way. Who knows how, or if, they will even remember their parents? The father will probably wonder where his family has disappeared to but will he search for them? Not likely. After a while he will hopefully find another mate and keep on living an eagle's life. So many questions...all I know is that I, along with many, will miss checking on those baby eaglets throughout the day to see what they are doing. I will miss watching the parents work together to do what needs to be done to keep their babies safe and healthy. Wild animals or not, they were a wonderful to watch and learn from. We will miss them but we wish them well!

With tears in our eyes we watched as the eaglets were removed from the nest this morning and even though we know that it is in their best interest we will miss them every day...for a while. Although it is sad to look now at that empty nest we will always remember this experience.
Thank you to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Wildlife Center of Virginia, WVEC TV 13, all of the moderators and fellow eagle watchers for sharing with us.

If you would like more information about the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Wildlife Center of Virginia or the eagle cam...please visit the following:

www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

www.wvec.com/eaglecam

www.wildlifecenter.org

You may also make donations to help support the continued care for the eaglets to the Wildlife Center...just specify that it is for the NBG eaglets.