NORTH CAROLINA NATURE

Learn our local flora and fauna. I have selected interesting and/or important species that are fun to learn about. When available learn their sounds as well as appearance, characteristics, migrating patterns and distribution and ecological and economic importance. MANY MORE TO COME!!!!! There will be quizzes and contests throughout the semester. Additional species will be introduced in class.

 
Birds
  • Common Loon - a regular winter visitor on our local lakes.
  • Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) - year-round resident and breeder
  • Tundra Swan - North Carolina plays a vital role in the yearly cycle of the Eastern Population of tundra swans, wintering more swans, by far, than any other state on the East Coast. Each fall, approximately 65 - 75 thousand swans migrate to northeastern North Carolina to take advantage of the abundant food sources found in our lakes, sounds and farms. Learn about conservation efforts to protect this majestic species
Amphibians

  • Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum) - A chunky black salamander with white/gray bands on the back.  Gray coloration in females and white coloration in males.

Reptiles
  
 
Mammals
Insects
  
 
Trees
  
 
NC Nature Preserves
Coast
Piedmont
Mountains
  • Pea Island NWR
  • Pocossin Lakes NWR
  • Mattamuskeet NWR
  • Umstead State Park
  • Great Smoky Mountains NP