http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Main.aspx?k=04ee0257-a393-48ba-abdc-832a9387ee32 Sam Bland en-us Copyright 2015 Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:26:29 GMT Sun, 08 Feb 2015 07:26:29 GMT Surfberds RSS Generator http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 20 http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=fbbb23e6-a464-4265-b535-865983f74296 When a caterpillar of the Polyphemus moth wove its cocoon outside his door, Sam Bland naturally broke out his camera.When a caterpillar of the Polyphemus moth wove its cocoon outside his door, Sam Bland naturally broke out his camera.Sam Bland Naturehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=fbbb23e6-a464-4265-b535-865983f74296Fri, 25 Jul 2014 15:02:07 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=8af22783-c2dc-4e95-9e88-574391cac739 Snow days are good days to look for birds. They're a bit more conspicuous against the white background and a little more tolerant of humans.Snow days are good days to look for birds. They're a bit more conspicuous against the white background and a little more tolerant of humans.Sam Bland Central Coast, Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=8af22783-c2dc-4e95-9e88-574391cac739Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:58:32 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=d54f48ef-55fa-4530-a4f1-413eeabd8e24 Sam Bland got an unexpected surprise after Christmas on a jog down the beach at Emerald Isle. He rushed back with his camera to catch The Dance of the Dolphins.Sam Bland got an unexpected surprise after Christmas on a jog down the beach at Emerald Isle. He rushed back with his camera to catch The Dance of the Dolphins.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=d54f48ef-55fa-4530-a4f1-413eeabd8e24Mon, 13 Jan 2014 15:06:34 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=9e24baf5-2cc5-4eb1-af6a-620e6d2b20f1 The three species of glasswort that grow along the coast are hardy and salt tolerant and go out in a blaze of glory.The three species of glasswort that grow along the coast are hardy and salt tolerant and go out in a blaze of glory.Sam Bland Native Plants, Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=9e24baf5-2cc5-4eb1-af6a-620e6d2b20f1Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:18:03 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=6d692c4b-baaa-4050-98db-07395be576a8 The big pink bird is rarely seen in North Carolina, so when reports of one visiting Bear Island reached Sam Bland, he had to check it out. The big pink bird is rarely seen in North Carolina, so when reports of one visiting Bear Island reached Sam Bland, he had to check it out. Sam Bland Central Coast, Nature, Our Coast, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=6d692c4b-baaa-4050-98db-07395be576a8Thu, 20 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=ca974fbf-34ee-456b-b725-95ec66f9d7eb Everybody has their favorite shell, but in North Carolina, the Holy Grail of seashells seems to be the Scotch bonnet.Everybody has their favorite shell, but in North Carolina, the Holy Grail of seashells seems to be the Scotch bonnet.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=ca974fbf-34ee-456b-b725-95ec66f9d7ebMon, 11 Mar 2013 15:49:40 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=5907a92b-935d-4c0a-942a-bd59cd8729aa The largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, the northern gannets have long been tied to maritime culture.The largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, the northern gannets have long been tied to maritime culture.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=5907a92b-935d-4c0a-942a-bd59cd8729aaTue, 08 Jan 2013 18:24:28 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=bb953419-4b4b-432f-acbc-8686489cbec9 When the temperatures start to drop,the king of butterflies -- the monarchs -- begin their long and amazing migration back to the mountains Mexico.When the temperatures start to drop,the king of butterflies -- the monarchs -- begin their long and amazing migration back to the mountains Mexico.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=bb953419-4b4b-432f-acbc-8686489cbec9Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:23:38 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=7cb43790-7ad1-435c-a658-9af2769476cd The call of the chuck-will's-widow is one of Sam's favorites... as long as it's in the distance.The call of the chuck-will's-widow is one of Sam's favorites... as long as it's in the distance.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=7cb43790-7ad1-435c-a658-9af2769476cdTue, 21 Aug 2012 17:37:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=78f96e0c-ddb1-4c01-b68d-90b8d0c12391 Sam Bland and a ranger friend spy a rare sight on Bear Island: American Oyster Catcher hatchlings. Come, read about their encounters.Sam Bland and a ranger friend spy a rare sight on Bear Island: American Oyster Catcher hatchlings. Come, read about their encounters.Sam Bland Central Coast, Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=78f96e0c-ddb1-4c01-b68d-90b8d0c12391Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:41:31 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=3531c4c6-b0fe-44d4-8fa5-21643a454ded Sam Bland loves snakes, but when he comes across one unexpectedly, his perfectly understandable reaction is to run... and then go back for a look and a few photos.Sam Bland loves snakes, but when he comes across one unexpectedly, his perfectly understandable reaction is to run... and then go back for a look and a few photos.Sam Bland Nature, Northeast Coast, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=3531c4c6-b0fe-44d4-8fa5-21643a454dedWed, 23 May 2012 15:52:27 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0450d733-854b-4668-abe8-8ad0d9352097 When these winter visitors are gone, we know spring has arrived in coastal N.C.When these winter visitors are gone, we know spring has arrived in coastal N.C.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0450d733-854b-4668-abe8-8ad0d9352097Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:35:22 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0df26d94-b279-46d7-83dc-cf90b0477e67 Many stuffy marine biologists would scoff at the term "starfish" because these animals aren't fish. But, by any name, they are awesomely cool.Many stuffy marine biologists would scoff at the term "starfish" because these animals aren't fish. But, by any name, they are awesomely cool.Sam Bland Nature, Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0df26d94-b279-46d7-83dc-cf90b0477e67Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=e78f99f8-6819-42b1-bb73-de75367f4299 As the setting sun lowered a crimson veil over the horizon, I took a late afternoon stroll down to a favorite marsh overlook and was greeted by a loud, clear rattling call that sliced through the calmness of the approaching evening. A disturbed Kingfisher stared at me with obvious irritation, its magnificent crest feathers stood erect, resembling a Mohawk hair style spiked up with gel.As the setting sun lowered a crimson veil over the horizon, I took a late afternoon stroll down to a favorite marsh overlook and was greeted by a loud, clear rattling call that sliced through the calmness of the approaching evening. A disturbed Kingfisher stared at me with obvious irritation, its magnificent crest feathers stood erect, resembling a Mohawk hair style spiked up with gel.Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=e78f99f8-6819-42b1-bb73-de75367f4299Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=5fd6eda8-c141-40f3-ab84-7d1db7e18933 Everybody probably remembers the fable by Aesop about the tortoise and the hare. Well, what about the sea turtle and the hare! Just kidding, but we do have a type of hare that lives in our coastal waters, just not the kind of four legged hare that you are probably thinking of. Everybody probably remembers the fable by Aesop about the tortoise and the hare. Well, what about the sea turtle and the hare! Just kidding, but we do have a type of hare that lives in our coastal waters, just not the kind of four legged hare that you are probably thinking of. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=5fd6eda8-c141-40f3-ab84-7d1db7e18933Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=93e515a1-6efb-46c5-b2e4-dc6eca3f2834 During my life living and working along the coast and spending time on the water I have learned that no species of animal brings more joy, reverence and awe than the magical bottlenose dolphin. They command your full attention and seem to make time fly and stand still at the same time. During my life living and working along the coast and spending time on the water I have learned that no species of animal brings more joy, reverence and awe than the magical bottlenose dolphin. They command your full attention and seem to make time fly and stand still at the same time. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=93e515a1-6efb-46c5-b2e4-dc6eca3f2834Fri, 13 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=f5e4b0dc-ffe6-44ac-998c-c528d30f0196 As a kid growing up in coastal North Carolina I spent many a hot summers’ day out on the barrier islands hiking through the sandy dunes, body surfing the ocean waves and walking the moonlit beach looking for ghost crabs.As a kid growing up in coastal North Carolina I spent many a hot summers’ day out on the barrier islands hiking through the sandy dunes, body surfing the ocean waves and walking the moonlit beach looking for ghost crabs.Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=f5e4b0dc-ffe6-44ac-998c-c528d30f0196Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=caa62ffc-da48-4eb3-a1b5-1bc035fb6449 During my career as a park ranger with North Carolina state parks I often received crazy reports of unusual and exotic animals in or near the park. There have been accounts of mountain lions, wolves and even a kangaroo prowling around. During my career as a park ranger with North Carolina state parks I often received crazy reports of unusual and exotic animals in or near the park. There have been accounts of mountain lions, wolves and even a kangaroo prowling around. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=caa62ffc-da48-4eb3-a1b5-1bc035fb6449Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0ccb74d2-404e-4668-a056-2718c70855ca Gliding gracefully above the water searching for a meal, the black skimmer may be one of the most recognizable coastal birds in flight. With a strange oversized beak, stubby red legs and bulky body, the black skimmer appears out of balance and clumsy on land. In the air, however, the skimmer with long delicate pointed wings is elegance aloft as it skims just above the glassy waters of a tidal pool.Gliding gracefully above the water searching for a meal, the black skimmer may be one of the most recognizable coastal birds in flight. With a strange oversized beak, stubby red legs and bulky body, the black skimmer appears out of balance and clumsy on land. In the air, however, the skimmer with long delicate pointed wings is elegance aloft as it skims just above the glassy waters of a tidal pool.Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=0ccb74d2-404e-4668-a056-2718c70855caTue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=4484a5ec-d58a-48a0-a0ca-8e207100efd8 Beachcombers intently surveying a cluster of oceanic gifts that marks the reach of the last high tide sometimes find an eye staring back at them. This “eye” is the dark spot at the center of a shark eye sea shell. Beachcombers intently surveying a cluster of oceanic gifts that marks the reach of the last high tide sometimes find an eye staring back at them. This “eye” is the dark spot at the center of a shark eye sea shell. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=4484a5ec-d58a-48a0-a0ca-8e207100efd8Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=579d47e5-26b2-45fb-9f0e-3247d3d481fc Autumn cool fronts have erased the hazy, sticky humidity that clouds the air, leaving the sky as blue as the eye of a northern gannet. This nip in the air signals the common buckeye butterfly to begin its southern migration along the East Coast. These buckeyes are the latest broods of those that had migrated north for the summer. Autumn cool fronts have erased the hazy, sticky humidity that clouds the air, leaving the sky as blue as the eye of a northern gannet. This nip in the air signals the common buckeye butterfly to begin its southern migration along the East Coast. These buckeyes are the latest broods of those that had migrated north for the summer. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=579d47e5-26b2-45fb-9f0e-3247d3d481fcWed, 17 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=d547bba2-bdf6-4e4e-ae3e-28f45d58abd6 Anyone who has walked through the open sand flats of a salt marsh has probably heard the scurrying of little feet as a carpet of sand fiddler crabs quickly parts like the Red Sea to avoid being crushed by intruding humans. Anyone who has walked through the open sand flats of a salt marsh has probably heard the scurrying of little feet as a carpet of sand fiddler crabs quickly parts like the Red Sea to avoid being crushed by intruding humans. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=d547bba2-bdf6-4e4e-ae3e-28f45d58abd6Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT http://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=c7f2059b-8394-4976-bfc7-2cf079f06f96 The brown pelican has long been the proud logo of the N.C. Coastal Federation. We chose this stately bird because it is a symbol of hope, a living reminder that our coastal natural resources can withstand serious challenges. The struggles of the brown pelican, which weathered threats that brought it to the brink of extinction, mirror the challenges that continue to threaten the resources of our coast. The brown pelican has long been the proud logo of the N.C. Coastal Federation. We chose this stately bird because it is a symbol of hope, a living reminder that our coastal natural resources can withstand serious challenges. The struggles of the brown pelican, which weathered threats that brought it to the brink of extinction, mirror the challenges that continue to threaten the resources of our coast. Sam Bland Wildlifehttp://www.nccoast.org/Blog-Post.aspx?k=c7f2059b-8394-4976-bfc7-2cf079f06f96Wed, 13 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT