things. We don’t have the authority
to buy land or set land aside, that sort
of thing, but we can point out the
need for that to those folks who are
in power to do it.” Since then, Parnell
says, “A lot of agencies have become
involved not just because of our work
but partially because of it.”
While he was teaching, Parnell’s
lessons oftentimes involved field
trips to these very same bird islands
and also inspired Golder. Years
down the road, Golder became the
first manager of Audubon’s sanctuary
system where he essentially continues
his mentor’s studies. During
the nesting season, no one is allowed
on the island, aside from Golder and
his fellow biologists. Golder recalls
a time when just one person disobeyed
this statute, to go camping.
Six hundred nests were abandoned.
Each clutch with an average of two
to three eggs perished.
In the 1990s Parnell’s avian discoveries,
which expanded outside of the
Cape Fear stretching from Southport to
Ocracoke, were recognized by the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission when
the publicly owned bird island sanctuary
system was named after the professor.
Golder remains in constant contact
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
If and when the channel is to be
dredged, Golder makes the call as to
which island is replenished and which
should remain fertile with cedars and
yaupons.
Golder looks at the birds’ importance
from one perspective saying,
“Just look in southeastern North
Carolina. Look in any shop. Look in
any art gallery and see what important
part these birds play in the local
economy.”
Though the birds are plentiful,
Golder says, “You can’t just simply
focus on those species that are mostly
in peril. These birds would not be here
if it were not for these nesting areas;
and these nesting areas need to be protected
and managed.”
If it weren’t for the Golders and
the Parnells, the bird islands would be
much like they are during the winter,
just a lot of sand and the occasional
gnarled cedar that washes ashore when
it dies, uprooted by the tides.
Michelle Clark, ALHS, SFR
Accredited Luxury Home Specialist | Broker/Realtor
910.367.9767 | mclark@intracoastalrealty.com
Amy Caliva, Broker/Realtor | 910.264.2421
Kelly Strickland, Broker/Realtor | 910.612-6537
Linda Woods, Broker/Realtor | 910.233.8900
Susan Snider, Broker/Realtor | 910.622.4394
Irene Hathaway, Broker/Realtor | 910.612.0940
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46
WBM july 2011