File:Hurricanes, Pyrotechnics, Raptors and Fish.jpg

English: ​Hurricane Arthur ​hit Shackelford Banks, NC ​ ​in the wee hours of the morning on July 4, 2014​ with winds over 100mph before ​exiting over the Outer Banks between Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, NC ​.​

Hurricanes ​can cause major problems to coastal communities​ and ​when hurricanes pass, sand is transported over the top of the dune and deposited inland (coastal.er.usgs.gov). Tides move sediment into the marshes, building up as the beach side erodes. Barrier islands protect the mainland from storm damage and are home to a variety of wildlife and plants.

Despite Hurricane Arthur's visit, sparks flew over the July 4th holiday weekend as tourists flocked to the Outer Banks to catch a glimpse of a Category 2 hurricane. Visitors who weathered the storm experienced nature's gift as the storm blew out to sea: the barrier island's ribbon of sand teamed with wildlife, bright blue skies, fireworks and fish. In a magnificent display of skill over the Atlantic Ocean in Kill Devil Hills, this North American raptor, the Osprey -- reaps the benefit of barbed pads on its feet to grip slippery fish. This Sergeant Major lost his stripes, and is now a buck private....headed for the mess hall. Photo Credit: Dawn Childs