WETLANDS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
The wetland complex of this area covers a good part of 5 counties, over 300,000 acres. Timbering and agriculture have dramatically altered the landscape, but remnants have been conserved in various natural areas and in eleven national wildlife refuges (including Lake Mattamuskeet, Pocosin Lakes, Pea Island, and Alligator River refuges).
In summer it is hot, humid and buggy with an almost tropical feel. One can find a fascinating array of dragonflies, spiders, colorful butterflies, snakes, turtles and other interesting critters. The bear are big both in size and numbers. In winter tens of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans visit for a few months, as well as fairly large numbers of ducks and other migratory birds.
The clouds and humidity can make for colorful sunsets, and still mornings often bring ethereal fog at dawn and calm waters for perfect reflections. It's been a favorite place of mine to explore with camera in hand for many years.