Coastal birding habitat

Bodie Island

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/26/2026Alligator River NWR--Wildlife Drive2 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

5/24/2026Bonner Bridge Pier1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/23/2026Bonner Bridge Pier1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/23/2026Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

5/22/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/20/2026Alligator River NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Laughing Gull

25/26/2026

Royal Tern

25/26/2026

Seaside Sparrow

115/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/26/2026

Semipalmated Plover

125/26/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

205/26/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

125/26/2026

American Herring Gull

15/26/2026

Brown Pelican

15/26/2026

Common Grackle

45/26/2026

Purple Martin

35/26/2026

Barn Swallow

15/26/2026

Carolina Wren

35/26/2026

Gray Catbird

25/26/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/26/2026

Eastern Bluebird

25/26/2026

Clapper Rail

15/26/2026

Killdeer

35/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

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.