OBX newbie from WNC needs direction...

[bobtravis]

I'll be headed to Nags Head for the CNPA outing 1/16 to 1/19.
I'll be traveling on TUESDAY (1/13) and will arrive at our Hotel (Ramada) on that day and will do some major exploring on my own.

I would like some help in one area: I'd like to be pointed in the right direction as to where to set up my dog-house camouflage for some water fowl photography. Has to be set up early (pre-dawn is best), I know....

Pocosin Lakes, Lake Mattamuskeet, Oregon inlet...Don't have to hit them all, but would like to take my 400mm out with me to get some good shots.

I would like to be able to walk the suggested area the day before and get a good idea on where to set up before dawn the next day, without tripping over myself and/or getting lost.

Anyone want to join me, you're most welcome.

Thanks in advance -

bob travis
bobtravis@citcom.net

[dianacochranjohn]

I am a die hard for Pea Island Wildlife refuge..and there is already a duck blind there that you can use. If you visit the nature center the day before they can tell you what clump of bushes it is hidden in, and/or where you could set up your own...

[jlphoto]

its behind milepost 30. Its mostly over grown and pretty high up meaning you get a weird downward angle at the birds. Also, the mud bar in front of it has built up over the years and so few birds other than shore birds actually come in close directly in front of the blind where you can shoot out the holes.... birds are typically off to the side and hidden by wax myrtals or cattails. Also the holes are terrible small. good luck sticking a 600mm and a bean bag in one. Certainly dont expect to use a flash or a flash extender with the holes even with smaller lenses. The photo blind is a morning shoot only unless you want backlit subjects in the afternoon. I dont waste my time here anymore.

In my opinion, the blind just flat out sucks.

You technically not allow to set up a blind anywhere around the impoundments. However if you head up into the salt flats north of the North Pond, or behind the North Pond, than you can set up out there. But this is subjective some folks have told me no way, others have told me go for it.

Mattamuskeet has a photo blind. Be prepared to clean it out though. From the looks of it, its not been seriously used in years. Its full of wasp nests, mud dobber nests, spider webs, and debri. Its small, cramped, dark, smelly, and overlooks an area that is good when the wind is in the right direction and therefore pushing water into the cove - at least this year cause the lake level is down. This blind its right before the bridge at the lodge. the trail borders the canal going to the boat launch.

Jared