Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry OPEN

The SOIICF Food Pantry is OPEN and eager to serve folks in need during this difficult time.  The pantry is located at 249 W. Boiling Spring Road  in Boiling Spring Lakes and serves those who live in Southport, Oak Island, BSL, Sunset Harbor and Winnabow (zip codes: 28461, 28465, 28422, 28479).  The pantry is open on Tuesday 9-11:30 am; Thursday 5-7:00 pm and Saturday 9-11:30 am.  No appointments are necessary, but you will need to provide identification.  Each individual or family is eligible to receive food every 14 days.  Procedures are in place to ensure the health and safety of  customers and volunteers and a wide variety of items are available.  You may call 910-645-2320 during the hours stated above if you have questions.

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Bird Sanctuary Islands

The two uninhabited islands we see from our water front looking towards Bald Head Island are Striking Island and Battery Island. Both small islands are part of the 19 Audubon bird sanctuary islands located along the NC coast. They are not recreation areas for people. Some boaters and kayakers may think it is acceptable to land on the islands. This is not the case. People should not land on the islands and walk around.

Coastal birds need particular habitat to nest. These sanctuary islands provide that habitat and specifically prohibit human use so the habitat is intact and safe for birds. Birds that nest on sanctuary islands include White Ibis, Brown Pelican, Oystercatcher and Terns.

Audubon biologist and sanctuary manager Lindsay Addison, advises you see people on the islands, to call NC WRC law enforcement: 800-662-7137. As the island’s manager and bird monitor, Lindsay can affirm that there is no place people can land, even below mean high water, where they would not be disturbing nesting birds.

If citizens have questions or concerns about wildlife it is also ok to contact our Animal Welfare Officer Kate Marshall at City Hall 910-457-7900 or 910 477-1486. She is very educated about wildlife and is responsible for all animal welfare in Southport.

Virtual Field Trip details:

· What: Virtual Field Trip: Spring Bird Celebration

· When: 9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 18

· Who: Audubon North Carolina and you!

· Where: Facebook Live, at facebook.com/audubonnc.

Mountains: Director of Conservation Curtis Smalling shows us singing songbirds in wetlands near Boone.

Piedmont: Director of Engagement Kim Brand gives us an up-close look at the birds nesting in her backyard, from Carolina Wrens to Barred Owls.

Coast: Coastal Biologist Lindsay Addison takes us on a tour of nesting pelicans in the Cape Fear River near Wilmington.

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