Atlantic menhaden, also known as “bunker”, “fatback”, and “pogey” occupy special ecologic, socioeconomic, and cultural niches along their range from Nova Scotia to Florida. Compact schools of hundreds or thousands may be seen rippling on the surface throughout the Pamlico, often feeding with their snouts and backs above the water.
Adult menhaden average 12-15 inches in length.They spawn in the open ocean throughout the year, where eggs hatch at sea, and are transported to estuaries by ocean currents over one to three months. Menhaden tolerate a wide range of salinity, but are generally associated with higher salinity environments as they grow into adulthood.
Primarily filter feeders on plankton and decaying plant matter, menhaden are thought to be 2nd only to oysters in their capacity to help maintain overall estuarine health. In mid to late summer they are an important food source and provide much needed energy for spawning giant Red Drum and other large fish in the Pamlico system.

A Caspian Tern lights atop a Royal Tern

Last weekend Sharon, Dorothy, Richard, Debbie, Mark, and Adele from East Tennessee stopped in Belhaven for a couple days on their way to Ocracoke. While on the estuarine overview they were able to learn about the bluecrab sex differences, nick names, shedding and reproductive cycle. Still helpless and immoble, this giant jimmy (male) with the pink/red claws was probably about 18-24 hours out from shedding and was beginning to harden up. A few hours earlier he would have been a prime jumbo softie. Note the difference in coloration prior to shedding.

Tammy, Carrie Parks Anderson, Ron, and John did an overview tour of the upper Pungo last Sunday. They were among the first folks to see a brand new oyster mariculture (farm) operation, the 1st of its kind on the Pungo. 2017 marked the 1st year in NC that farmed oysters topped wild stock oysters in commercial harvest, and again in 2018, but both fisheries were severely hurt by hurricane Florence. Oyster farming in is only beginning to florish, and still lags far behind Virginia (see chart).

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Gene, Phyllis, Langdon, and Brayden went on a chilly, early March birdwatching cruisea couple weeks ago.. Along with seeing thousands of migratory waterfowl, we discovered a new eagle’s nest on Pantego Creek. Gene took this pic from several hundred yards away. Bald Eagles mate for life and add to their nests each year. The world record nest was found in Florida and estimated to weigh about 2000 pounds. I’m guessing this one was started in the last year or two.

Experience the perfect fall or winter weekend with Machapuna Ecotours and Second Wind in Belhaven, NC, located along the brackish waters of the Pungo River. The waters and shores of the Pungo are home to a large variety of birds and wildlife. During the cooler months, the river is alive with migratory waterfowl. For $750 your stay for two nights will include a 4 hour guided adventure on the river, for up to 6 passengers, with Machapunga Ecotours (www.machatours.com). Possible sightings include many species of ducks, swans, geese, herons, egrets, dolphins, otters, migratory songbirds, and much more. Fill out your days and evenings with dining at one of Belhaven’s excellent restaurants, browsing its charming shops, or simply enjoying a spectacular sunset over the water. Call 252-964-6161 or visit www.belhavenvacationrental.com to reserve your stay.

While out fishing for drum last weekend, we spotted this young bear swimming across Bay River in Pamlico County. NC has a black bear populatrion of about 20,000, with over half living in the eastern portion of the state. The females may give birth every two years. This bear was likely 1-2 years old, and was out lookiing to establish its own territory after leaving its mother. Fortunately, black bears are good swimmers.

The American eel lives in the estuaries of the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to Brazil. It can live up to 50 years and grow to about 5 feet in length. After reaching sexual maturity the adult eel ceases to feed and begins its journey to the Sargasso Sea, near Bermuda, where it is thought to die after spawning. So it seems that sometimes it pays to be a late bloomer. Learn more about eels and other cool creatures by reserving a tour at 252-717-5387 or peter@machatours.com.