After 30 years working for the Federal Government in Washington, D.C., Karen Lebing and her husband, Gerry, retired to Hatteras Island of NC’s Outer Banks in 2013. Karen volunteers for the U.S. Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, occasionally leading bird walks at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Hatteras Lighthouse grounds and point. She also participates in several Christmas Bird Counts for Audubon and is a member of the Carolina Bird Club. Karen’s goal has been to complete at least one eBird bird report each day. This goal has carried her through difficult times and has given her a lot of joy.
What was your ‘spark species’ moment?
My spark species was a female Hooded Merganser who was sheltering in our backyard pond during a 45 mph wind storm. I didn’t know what it was, but this bird started me on the path to identifying the birds I see. She was adorable!!
What kind of birding makes for a great day? A great birding day for me is when I can get great photos of the birds I see. A good photo of a House Finch can make me happy. But getting a life bird–like the Mississippi Kite that flew past the house–is also pretty exciting. You never know what you’re going to find when you go birding!
Describe one of your favorite Atlasing moments?
One of my favorite moments was when I found a fledgling Black-necked Stilt in the Pea Island NWR south pond.
What is your favorite priority block and reasons why?
I have several favorite spots, but my backyard happens to be in the center of the Rodanthe CW Priority Block. I live on the sound between USFWS and USPS park and refuge land. We have lots of marsh, and I love to spend all morning watching what flies by.
Reason(s) why you choose to contribute data to the NCBA?
I am a dedicated citizen scientist–anything I can do to help scientists study our wildlife, I’ll do. Using eBird to participate in the NC Atlas has made the contribution extremely easy.