Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast : Common Birds, Crabs, Shells, Fish, and Other Entities of the Coastal Environment

An entertaining, practical, reader-friendly guide to common plants, animals, and the physical environment of the NC/SC coast. Fully illustrated -- over 100 color photographs, plus additional diagrams and drawings with in-depth information on each subject. A beachcomber's handbook, a valuable companion for seaside explorers of all ages. Scientifically accurate, yet written in language the lay public can understand.

BIRDS Birds -- what is it about them that fascinates us so? Perhaps it is birds' similarities to humans and other mammals: Like us, birds are warm-blooded vertebrates. Or is it birds' mastery of flight that enamors us? Many among us dream of flying like a bird. Perhaps the beautiful and varied feather patterns of birds just please our eye? Or maybe humans anthropomorphize, giving birds human-like qualities: It is easy to think of birds as clean, sharp, capable, parental, etc. While the specific attributes that attract us to birds are elusive, the characteristics that set birds apart are clear: Birds are animals with a backbone, are homeothermic (warm-blooded), and possess wings and feathers. Feathers, more than anything else, define birds. Only birds have feathers, and it is feathers which make birds masters of the air. Just as fur is distinctive and important to mammals, so are feathers to birds. Feathers are made of keratin, the same substance of human nails and reptiles' scales (not surprising, as birds evolved from reptile-like ancestors). On either side of the central shaft of a feather are a hundred or more filaments. Each filament is similarly composed of numerous smaller filaments or barbules. The smaller elements overlap in different ways, depending on the function of the feather.

The functions of feathers are many.

The most obvious function of feathers is flight. Other animals glide, and a few, like bats and insects, fly well -- but birds are the true masters of flight.

Feathers further serve birds in the same manner as fur serves mammals -- as insulation. Feathers actually provide better insulation than fur and are crucial in maintaining the temperature of warm-blooded birds.

Feathers keep birds dry; feathers, combined with bird oils, are waterproof.

And, finally, the colors and patterns of feathers serve in camouflage, territorial displays, and sexual identification and attraction.

In addition to wings and feathers, birds have adapted to flight in other ways. Avian bones are thin and hollow to minimize weight. Similarly, birds have lost the heavy jaws and teeth of their reptilian ancestors. And, all birds lay eggs; to carry developing young would hinder flight.

But, benefits are not without risks. Because they are warm-blooded, birds must incubate their eggs; they cannot bury their eggs and leave them, like reptiles. And, while sitting on the nest, birds are vulnerable to enemies.

Birds have adapted in other ways to succeed. The beaks of birds vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the diet of each species. Consider the differences in just the birds common to the Carolina coast: The thin bill of the tiny Sanderling is used to probe the sand for Mole Crabs. The huge beak of the Pelican, with its loose sac of skin underneath, sucks in small fish when the Pelican dives. The unique beak of the Skimmer, the lower half longer than the upper, skims the water and snaps up surface fish.

Similarly, the feet of birds vary in function, and thus in size and shape. Again, consider only the differences in a few coastal Carolina birds: The webbed feet of the Cormorant are used to swim on and below the water. The sharp-taloned feet of the Osprey are used to snatch live fish from the water. The Great Blue Heron, having huge feet with four long, thin toes, is stabilized on the marsh mud.

Whatever the overall appeal of birds is, the species of the Carolina coast have a large allotment of the allure. Few can deny the magic and enjoyment of watching our widely-varied species. BROWN PELICAN

How can a bird be awkward and ungainly, yet graceful and spectacular? How can a bird bring to mind ancient pterodactyls, yet easily master both sky and water? The Brown Pelican is/does all of these; Pelicans are a true delight to watch flying and feeding.

Brown Pelicans are huge birds, with wingspans of six to seven feet. The birds are light for their size, though, reaching a maximum weight of about eight pounds (compare the size of a mature Pelican and a newborn human, both weighing near eight pounds).

A Pelican's beak is long and solid; its feet are large and webbed. The mature bird has a gray-brown body with a distinct white head; the immature bird is dull brown above, lighter below (the head is not white).

Brown Pelicans inhabit only coastal areas, feeding exclusively on live marine fish. Small fish such as Menhaden and Mullet make up a large part of Pelicans' diets, though they sometimes swallow one- to two-pound fish whole.

Feeding Pelicans are a wonder to observe. They fly above the water, at heights up to 50 feet; they may flap their wings or just glide along, looking for fish below the surface. Suddenly, tucking in their wings, they dive sharply for the water.

Diving Pelicans hit the surface bill-first, often making a splash. As they go beneath the surface, a large pouch from the bottom beak and throat area expands, sucking in as much as 2.5 gallons of water and (hopefully) small fish. The water is forced out through narrow gaps in the sides of the bill. If fish remain, the Pelican sits on the water and gulps down its catch. If unsuccessful, the bird takes off and begins again.

Air sacs located under Pelicans' skin cushion the bird from the impact of hitting the water. The air sacs also bring the Pelican quickly to the surface.

Pelicans are also commonly seen standing on pilings or sandbars, or just sitting on the water. At times, they can be observed flying in small flocks; they may fly in a line, a foot or two above the water, or in a V-formation higher in the sky. Sometimes, semi-tame Pelicans can be found begging for fish on docks or fishing piers.

Interestingly, mature Brown Pelicans are largely silent; adult birds infrequently utter a sound, and then only a low grunt. Young birds still in the nest are vocal, squawking loudly for food.

The presence of Pelicans along the coast is sporadic. They are more common near their nesting sites, which are located exclusively on uninhabited coastal islands. There, they nest in large colonies. Bulky nests of sticks, grasses, and debris are located on the ground or in low shrubs. Unfortunately, due to coastal development, available nesting sites have been reduced in number.

Baby Pelicans are born featherless, blind, and helpless. Parent birds take turns shading the babies with their bodies. The young birds are initially fed regurgitated fish from their parents' pouches. By ten to twelve days, the baby birds are covered with white down feathers. By about nine weeks of age, the immature birds begin flying from the nest.

The population of Pelicans along the East Coast declined sharply in past years. At one time, their numbers dwindled to the point that they were placed on the Endangered Species List.

The Pelican population reduction was likely due to pesticide (DDT) residues in fish the Pelicans fed upon. High pesticide levels in females caused them to lay thin, fragile eggs, resulting in high mortality before hatching. Appropriately, the offending pesticides have been banned (at least in the U.S.).

The Brown Pelican population on the Carolina coast has increased steadily from 1974 to 1990. The Brown Pelican has been removed from the Federal Endangered Species List in the Carolinas (remains listed other locations). The birds are still protected by federal and state laws.

Pelicans are more abundant in the Carolinas during the warmer months of the year, with good reason. Pelicans nest here in the summertime and remain during temperate months. Most birds journey south to spend the winter in Florida, though some birds spend the entire year here.