Wings Over Water - Eastern North Carolina Wildlife Festival

06/17/2026

Possibilities … that describes every Wings Over Water field trip and Scott Weidensaul’s keynote talk. 2026 has more to offer than ever before! Field trips, both expected and new, are scheduled in 4 National Wildlife Refuges, 2 National Seashores and 4 protected areas managed by non-profits and government. Scott’s talk will cap off the week at The Pioneer Theater. Hope to see you at WOW!

06/16/2026

Bobcat on the Refuge
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Bobcats are one of the more secretive predators that inhabit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, moving quietly through the refuge’s mix of pocosin wetlands, forested habitats, and open fields. Although sightings are less common than those of black bears or red wolves, bobcats are regularly noted as a possible species visitors may encounter during wildlife tours and field programs on the refuge. These adaptable carnivores play an important ecological role by helping regulate populations of small mammals, birds, and other prey species. Their presence on the refuge highlights the area’s rich biodiversity and underscores the importance of protecting large, connected habitats where elusive species like bobcats can thrive.

Register now for Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival in October. Many trips and tours from which to select. Some trips taking place on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where you might see a bobcat, bear, otter...it's possible. wingoverwater.org

Photo; Beverly Meekins

06/14/2026

Looking for some indoor fun to beat the heat this summer? WOW's partner, The Pioneer Theater in Manteo has a full calendar of live events and movies that promise to be the perfect solution. Check out the calendar, purchase your tickets, stay cool and enjoy!

Events Archive - Pioneer Theater | Manteo, NC

06/02/2026

Breaking News!! Registration for WOW 2026 is open! Take a look, make your plans and register soon. Trips will be filling fast!

Experience one of the East Coast’s premier wildlife festivals with guided birding, paddling, & nature adventures in National Wildlife Refuges.

06/01/2026

From Hatteras Lighthouse, head south-southwest over land and sea to Ocracoke Island village and the Ocracoke Lighthouse. Located in the village on the most southern tip of the island, it is a small lighthouse with a fascinating history. Getting there is part of the adventure as you take the NC ferry watching for birds on the wing. On the island, a variety of habitats from beaches, dunes, marshes and sound, offer interesting birding opportunities.
Photo: Island Free Press

05/29/2026

On the road again, heading south to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, enjoy expansive views crossing Oregon Inlet and the historic Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station as you enter Pea Island NWR. Pass through miles of the Refuge to Rodanthe and the historic Chicamacomico Life Saving Station that holds heroic stories of life savers and the sea. At Cape Hatteras, check out The Point and Salt Pond with adjacent flats, dunes and wetlands for waterbirds, passerines and raptors that frequent the area. Note: The lighthouse is undergoing renovations.

05/26/2026

Continuing south from the northern banks to Bodie Island lighthouse, take the road less travelled along the coastline on Highway 12 and S. Old Oregon Inlet Road for glimpses of the Atlantic and a sense of the OBX many years ago. The Bodie Island trip will focus on birds but the search will also include identifying butterflies and dragonflies with fun facts about native plants as well.

05/23/2026

Plan your WOW birding trips to see four iconic NC lighthouses from Corolla to Ocracoke! Begin with the all-day northern banks trip beginning in Corolla and ending at the Duck boardwalk. Combine birds and history at Currituck Beach lighthouse, the Whalehead Club and Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary. Freshwater marshes may hold surprises along the way and the Town of Duck boardwalk is a great spot to end the day with fall migrants.

05/17/2026

From North to South from East to West, WOW gives participant an opportunity to explore a large part of northeast North Carolina. Click on the link to let Google Earth show you the
furthest points in each direction. Registration opens soon so start planning now!

https://earth.google.com/earth/d/166Jf0DMg-rPTgAO8x4OWKAQzwe9cuLjy?usp=sharing

05/11/2026

Have you heard? WUNC will be broadcasting “Due South” live from The Pioneer Theater Friday, May 15, Manteo. This is one of 50 events across North Carolina to celebrate WUNC’s 50th Anniversary. Founded in 1918, the historic Pioneer is a great location for WUNC’s anniversary! Check out the dtails and free registration here ...

WUNC is hosting 50 events across the state to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and we’d love for you to join us on Friday, May 15 at 12 p.m. at