Wildlife Diversity Program Quarterly Report for October–December 2025
Locals and Visitors Intermingling at Shackleford Banks
by Carmen Johnson, Waterbird Biologist; and Claire Reilly, Waterbird Technician
I n November 2025, the Waterbird Team joined staff from Audubon North Carolina and the Rachel Carson compo- nent of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve to con- duct a winter roost survey of American Oystercatchers near Shackleford Banks, the Newport River, and the Rachel Carson Reserve. Like many other species, during the non-breeding season American Oystercatchers roost in groups for safety from predators and energy conservation, which provides an excellent opportunity to resight banded individuals. The team spotted a mix of birds sporting dark green leg bands, meaning that they were banded in North Carolina. We also saw birds banded in Georgia, Virginia, New York, and Massachusetts. Each band sports a unique color and letter code that makes it possible to identify the bird. Notably, yellow band “NX” was seen in the group. “NX” was banded in Falmouth, Massachusetts, in 2009 and has spent every winter in Carteret County before returning north to nest. Another visitor, red band “IJ”, was banded on the Alta- maha River in Georgia in 2010 and visited North Carolina every winter until 2013, when it decided to relocate here per- manently. “IJ” nested at Cape Lookout National Seashore in 2013 and 2014 and has been seen in Carteret County often since then, though this was the first time the bird has been resighted in 2025. We are glad to see these long-time visitors getting along with the locals!
BEN WUNDERLY/NC COASTAL RESERVE
Top: Audubon NC technician, Ashlyn Newberry, photographs a flock of American Oystercatchers. Bottom: Claire, Carmen, and Lindsay preparing to survey a shoal that is part of the Rachel Carson compo- nent of the N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve.
CARMEN JOHNSON/NCWRC
MATTHEW GODFREY/NCWRC
Flock of American Oystercatchers on Shackleford Banks.
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