Subject: Re: Cape Hateras, North Carolina - weekend adventure
Date: Jan 25 11:35:29 1996
From: PAGODROMA at aol.com - PAGODROMA at aol.com


I'm always delighted to hear someone extolling the wonders of Cape Hatteras
and the North Carolina Outer Banks. Those are my old stomping grounds from
way back in the early 1970's. I can share your euphoria at standing on the
Point at the Cape with all the crashing waves, confused seas, and zillions of
seabirds everywhere. The place is holds a special magic, and memories I
shall never forget. Some comments follow:

In a message dated 96-01-21 20:37:03 EST, Stuart MacKay writes:

>Tens of thousands of Bonaparte's gulls - all along the coast from
>the Cape northwards. Perhaps tens of thousands is a bit of an
>understatement - probably the most numerous bird.
>

There should have been a few little and black-headed gulls mixed in with a
mass like that. It really can be a good place.

>
>6 razorbills - difficult to pick out form among the waves. There
>were a lot of murres. These six were the only ones I got a good
>enough look at to ID properly.

Hmmm. Razorbills and especially murres are quite scarce down there. *a lot
of murres* makes me wonder what's going on and if this is an unusual flight
year this winter along the mid Atlantic coast from DelMarVa south to Cape
Hatteras. Which murres? Thick-billed? Common? or both?

>
>2 dead turtles (not sure what species) they must have been really
>old as both carapaces were crusted in barnacles, many well over 1
>inch in diameter.
>

Sounds like Loggerheads. They not so uncommonly wash up on the beachs there.
Unlike other sea turtles, the presence of barnacles on the carapace is a
good indication that they are Loggerheads. Even when seen at sea, alive,
Loggerheads are often encrusted with barnacles -- in fact a good field ID
characteristic along with the reddish color and large head. Leatherbacks
should be obvious with the longitudinal ridges on the back. The other species
e.g. green, Ridley's, and hawksbill, especially the latter two would be very
very rare there.


Richard Rowlett <pagodroma at aol.com>
Bellevue, WA, USA