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

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

7/18/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Oregon Inlet Beach (North)3 observed

Eastern Towhee (White-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

7/16/2026Pea Island NWR1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/13/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/13/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/13/2026Pea Island NWR--North Pond Photo Blind1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/10/2026Oregon Inlet Fishing Center1 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

7/6/2026Pea Island NWR--Salt Flats Wildlife Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Killdeer

57/19/2026

Laughing Gull

47/19/2026

American Herring Gull

17/19/2026

Common Tern

27/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

37/19/2026

Great Egret

77/19/2026

Brown Pelican

37/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Fish Crow

17/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

7/19/2026

Purple Martin

7/19/2026

Barn Swallow

7/19/2026

Carolina Wren

47/19/2026

Gray Catbird

27/19/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

47/19/2026

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.