a white bird standing on top of a tree in the water

Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free (lighthouse climb fee separate)

Hours

Grounds open daily; lighthouse seasonal hours

About This Location

Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 301 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, and Great Egret 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

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

6/2/2026Waves- sea vista drive north pond1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

5/31/2026Waves--Sea Vista Dr. Pond1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/31/2026Pea Island NWR--Salt Flats Wildlife Trail1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/30/2026Unnamed Road, Manns Harbor, North Carolina, US (35.844, -75.872)2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/30/2026Pea Island NWR--Salt Flats Wildlife Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

66/2/2026

Caspian Tern

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

European Starling

36/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Common Grackle

36/2/2026

Brown Pelican

26/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Fish Crow

16/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

56/2/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Carolina Wren

36/2/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond?
Notable species at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond include Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Northern Flicker, Song Sparrow, Canada Goose, Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, American Bittern, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond?
Birding at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond?
The entrance fee at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond is Free (lighthouse climb fee separate). Hours: Grounds open daily; lighthouse seasonal hours.
What amenities are available at Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond?
Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.