Field Trip: Painted Buntings in Carolina Beach State Park

Painted Bunting Field Trip to Carolina Beach State Park.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
6 am is the start time from Prairie Ridge Ecostation, 1671 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh ; estimated return will be 6:00 p.m.
John Gerwin will lead a trip to New Hanover County. We will focus on finding some Painted Buntings at known bunting locations (e.g. Carolina Beach State Park, Airlie Gardens, etc.). We have the option to attend a trapping session with Chelsea who is John/Evan’s partner, on the bunting project. Chelsea will set up a feeder/trap at Carolina Beach State Park (Entrance is at 1010 State Park Rd, Carolina Beach) ) that morning. This will be our first stop.

We will then explore other locations within the county, e.g. Wrightsville Beach hopefully (parking can be tricky; but this year there are many Least terns and some Wilson’s plovers nesting); Airlie Gardens, or perhaps go down to Ft. Fisher.

Time: Meet John Gerwin at Prairie Ridge Ecostation parking lot at 6:00 a.m. for carpooling. It is about 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach Carolina Beach State Park. Chelsea will begin at 0830 and continue for 4 hours. So, we can be there in time to see any Painted Buntings she might capture.
We can explore more of Carolina Beach State Park and then explore other birdwatching locations in the county. We will depart to return to Raleigh when folks are ready to come home. But probably by 4:00pm or so. John can stay longer so we can “wing it” and decide then.
John can take 4-5 people in his vehicle for those who would like to ride with him. Please let him know when you email him. Others will need to carpool.
Please bring your meals and beverages and snacks along. Of course we will stop as needed but we’d rather be out looking at birds and butterflies versus shopping for snacks and such.
If you plan to drive separate from the group, you should meet us at the MARINA at Carolina Beach State Park. This will be our first stop (the birdfeeders are next to the marina).
Participants are responsible for all entry and parking fees.
Please sign up and email John Gerwin: [birdnerdie@gmail.com](mailto:birdnerdie@gmail.com) ; he will provide contact information when you sign up, in case you cannot find the group.

Background information:
The Painted Bunting, sometimes called the nonpareil, is one of those iconic species that is known, and beloved, by many. At the same time, there are many things about the species that we do not know. There are two main populations, and that in the southeastern U.S. has a much smaller range and population size than the one out west. We consider the SE population to be “threatened” – by trapping, climate change, and coastal development.

Trip is wweather dependent so be sure to email John G.