Forest birding habitat

Airlie Gardens

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Airlie Gardens is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Hooded Merganser, and Sanderling among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/1/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

6/1/2026Orton Pond7 observed

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

5/31/2026Wrightsville Beach Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/29/2026Beacon Point Boardwalk & Piers (34.152, -77.944)1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/28/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/26/2026Slow Motion1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/22/2026Andover Rd1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

5/22/2026Auto selected 34.31175, -77.729881 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Skimmer

36/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/1/2026

Painted Bunting

16/1/2026

Great Egret

35/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Least Tern

15/30/2026

Sandwich Tern

15/30/2026

Barred Owl

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

55/30/2026

Purple Martin

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

45/30/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/30/2026

Laughing Gull

25/29/2026

White Ibis

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Airlie Gardens for birding?
The best months to visit Airlie Gardens for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Airlie Gardens?
Notable species at Airlie Gardens include Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Sanderling, Laughing Gull, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Airlie Gardens?
Birding at Airlie Gardens is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Airlie Gardens?
Airlie Gardens offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.