UNC Wilmington graduate student Anna Zarn is studying American Oystercatcher eggshells and chick feathers to better understand toxic-metal contamination in the Lower Cape Fear River post-Florence.

Here in North Carolina, we continue to feel and see the effects of Hurricane Florence on our coast. We are grateful that all our staff are safe, yet aware that the path forward will be challenging. Stay up-to-date here.

While we are still learning the full extent of the devastation that Florence brought, we do know one thing – it is time to change the way we design and live in our coastal communities.

A UNC-Wilmington undergraduate conducts honors thesis research on Least Tern egg patterning as it relates to thermal biology.

Hatchlings are making their way to the ocean from 18 sea turtle nests

The warming of the planet may have severe implications for wildlife. Thermal mapping can help us predict what may happen to beach birds and determine how we can protect them in the future.

The year began with a cold spring, but has so far been generally successful for terns, oystercatchers and skimmers thanks to the absence of major storms or human distubance events.

The skimmer is also one of the only birds to have a lower mandible that is longer than its upper mandible. This enables the skimming behavior that earned them their name.

The symbol of the National Audubon Society, Great Egrets were nearly wiped out by plume hunters in the United States during the late 1800s. Learn where to find them, how to help them, and more in this Priority Bird Profile.

White Ibis are abundant in North Carolina, but it’s important to maintain safe, high quality nesting sites and other habitats to ensure their populations remain healthy. Learn where to find them, how to help them, and more in this Priority Bird Profile: White Ibis.