Congress has mandated that certain residents of North Carolina be allowed to drive vehicles on the beach. In addition, employees of False Cape State Park may drive to and from their park residences. Only those holding a valid Refuge permit may drive on the beach. Wildlife and Seasonal Happenings Winter Wintering waterfowl congregate on the Refuge. Winter storms and cold fronts may bring increased numbers of birds to the area.
Northern harriers are abundant as they search for food in the marsh.
Deer shed their antlers and breed through February. Spring Local breeding ducks pair off and nest. Broods are visible by early May. Ospreys return in early March and begin using Refuge nesting platforms. By May, white-tailed fawns appear and rare orchids and carnivorous plants bloom in the marsh and in ditches along Refuge dikes. Songbird and shorebird migration peaks during this same period.