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A northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) glides low over a vast flock of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) erupting from the surface of a shallow impoundment at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This protected refuge is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a critical migration corridor that supports millions of waterfowl each year. Redhead ducks winter in large numbers along the North Carolina coast, relying on the region’s brackish wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation to rest and feed. The northern harrier, a raptor specially adapted for low, gliding flight, patrols the marshes in search of smaller birds or rodents. This dynamic interaction between predator and prey highlights the importance of intact, protected wetlands like Pea Island, where complex ecological relationships sustain both migratory birds and resident species. As coastal habitats face increasing pressure from development, climate change, and sea level rise, refuges like this play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity along the Atlantic Flyway.