We met an interesting guy. He is an avid duck hunter who led a bird walk at the Pea Island Reserve. It is always interesting to hear other’s perspectives. His take is that “the birds don’t need all that space”. Just give one section, they will move to where people won’t bother them. I’d say he sees these islands as people’s islands and the birds will just have to deal with whatever little space we leave to them.
The attempt to balance preservation and economic use pits the National Park folks against the local businesses that make a living renting beach vehicles or beach fishing. The park just closed a couple more sections of beach for nesting plovers and locals are in an uproar. We just enjoyed the birding and the beach. It is easier to be a visitor.