Oregon Inlet Shoals
Location: Dare County
Total Size: 10 acres
Site Description: Oregon Inlet shoals
are located immediately west of Oregon Inlet in Dare County. These shoals change
shape and even location every year, depending on storms. Nevertheless, as
long as some portion of the shoal remains exposed during the nesting season, the
exposed sand becomes ideal for nesting terns and skimmers. As this type of
habitat has become increasingly in short supply, these dynamic shoals become
exceedingly important for nesting birds.
Habitats:
sand flat, exposed sand shoal
Land Use: wildlife conservation
Primary Threats: disturbance to birds, erosion
Protection Status: The site is posted and patrolled by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Conservation Issues: Disturbance to nesting birds is a primary concern. An additional serious concern is the alteration of natural sand transport through Oregon Inlet by construction of permanent rock jetties and channelization of the inlet.
Birds: These shoals change annually, but are generally every year. They provide ideal early-succession habitat for terns and skimmers.
Key Bird Species
|
Criteria |
Season |
Number |
||
|
4a |
Common Tern |
B |
186 prs. |
|
|
Black Skimmer |
B |
2 prs. |
||
|
Gull-billed tern |
B |
1 pr. |
||
|
2 |
Piping Plover |
FM, W, SM |
10-20 |
|
B=Breeding FM=Fall Migration
SM=Spring Migration W=Winter
Sources:
NC Colonial Waterbird Database
David Allen, NC Wildlife Resources Commission