Colin Hebert asks:

> Based on the map, it seems straightforward to get to the zone, but 
> once you get to the entrance and start walking, do you just head 
> south and keep a lookout for the owl, or is it best to try and talk 
> to the park staff to see where the owl was recently sighted? Also, 
> is the sand packed or loose? I.e., could you bike instead of walk?

Colin,

There is no sign at the entrance.  The park drive deadends at a circle.  The
first exit off the circle is the Life of the Dunes Trail, the 2nd exit the
ORV zone, and the 3rd, the beach parking lot.  Unless you have the ORV
permits, go to the beach parking lot and start walking from there (heading
south).  

If you stay close to the water, the sand is firm, and higher on the beach it
is quite fluffy.  Biking is likely not possible.

The bird will either be flying (it hunts during the day) or sitting on a
high dune watching for prey.  It should be easy to find but they do move
around and it could well move further south along the beach.  All things
considered you might be better off trying to find a birder who already has a
beach permit.  If you do elect to walk be sure to carry water....even in the
fall and winter it can get very dry out there and the walking is difficult.

You could try to stop at the park office and ask but often the rangers there
are unaware of birds currently being seen.  Don't forget, this is the
National Seashore, not the State Park that we are talking about.

Best of luck,
Norm