Taking into account all protected shorebird species (terns, black skimmers, American oystercatcher and piping plover) there were ~60 nests and ~100 chicks on Ocracoke Island when the hurricane made landfall overnight on July 3rd.  After several days of observation two black skimmer chicks, two American oystercatcher fledglings ,and one American oystercatcher nest was located.  The pre-nest closures on north Ocracoke and between Ramps 68 & 70 will remain in place until at least July 31st.  The south Ocracoke closure will remain in place until at least August 15th per the ORV Management Plan.

Dune erosion where a turtle nest was located

Twenty-six sea turtle nests, all loggerhead, rode out the storm.  Of those only two were visibly lost to tides and beach erosion (see photo).  Sea turtle nests can survive overwash so all nests will remain in place and their viability will be evaluated after their expected hatch dates.  Since Arthur, seven more loggerhead nests have been laid and the sea turtle season is shaping up to be another busy year.  We have the same amount of nests as this time in 2012 & 2013 when the island hosted 53 & 58 sea turtle nests.

Close up view of the dune erosion around a turtle nest

Due to Arthur being the earliest hurricane to hit North Carolina since records began in 1851, the impact to the wildlife was high.  But we also recognize that these animals have been surviving similar natural events for hundreds of years.  Storms often create improved habitat so the overall impacts of a hurricane can be positive for wildlife in later years. 

Pre-storm preparations at the Pony Pens began on July 1st and the hard work paid off.  All the ponies made it through the storm safely despite extensive damage to the facilities.  Preparation included closing off high risk areas, opening other spaces so the ponies could seek safety on their own, and filling extra water troughs in anticipation of a power outage disabling the water pump system.  The pens sustained damage to trees, fences, gates, shelters and both barns.  The most dramatic damage occurred when a large shelter, ~36 ft x ~16ft, was lifted out of the ground and flipped onto its roof breaking fences and spreading debris (see photo).  One of the stallions, Rayo, took this opportunity to mingle with the main herd so there is a small possibility of another Oops or Bonita Sorpresa arriving next year!

A large Pony Pens shelter was flipped onto its roof

The park resumed normal operations on Monday July 7th and crews from other parks, including people from The Great Smoky Mountains NP and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, have arrived to assist with the repairs to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historical Site, and the Wright Brothers’ Memorial.  Large projects, such as rebuilding the pony shelter, will be contracted to outside companies and completed at a later day.

Thank you to everyone who inquired and was concerned about the ponies, shorebirds, and sea turtles.  We’re all grateful that Arthur didn’t cause more damage to the Ocracoke community.

Thanks to Jocelyn for providing this update for the Current's readers! 

Learn more about the ponies (and how you can adopt one) here and at the NPS summer programs, which meet at the Pony Pens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am. Check out the "In The Park" newspaper, available for free at the Visitor Center, for other summer programs and activities.