Bodie Island

North Carolina · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Bodie Island is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Tundra Swan, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Tundra Swan Gadwall Mallard Ring-billed Gull Northern Harrier

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

3/6/2026Alligator River NWR--Milltail Rd.2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Bodie Island--Coquina Beach1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus

3/3/2026Harvey Soundside Park1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/2/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

2/28/2026Alligator River NWR--Sawyer Lake Rd.1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in North Carolina

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Outer Banks refuge famous for wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebirds.

Airlie Gardens

Forest birding hotspot in North Carolina with 248 recorded species.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

River/Riparian birding hotspot in North Carolina with 271 recorded species.

North Carolina Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in North Carolina →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bodie Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit Bodie Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Bodie Island?▼

Notable species at Bodie Island include Tundra Swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Northern Harrier. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Bodie Island?▼

Birding at Bodie Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Bodie Island?▼

Bodie Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.