WADING ON THE REFUGE:The Long-billed Dowitcher is found in large flocks wading and feeding in mudflats and shallow ponds. The Dowitcher’s bill is twice as long as its head.  This is the time of year the Dowitcher leaves it’s wintering locations, such as the Outer Banks, and migrates to northern breeding grounds. The National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is free.  Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges are open daylight hours year-round.  Explore on your own!  Or for a list of exciting and educational guided programs (canoe trips, Red Wolf howlings, bear excursions, bird walks, tram trips and more), visit: www.fws.gov/alligatorriver/spec.html