Coastal birding habitat

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 296 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

5/25/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

Green-winged Teal (American)

Anas crecca

5/24/2026Cape Hatteras1 observed

White-tailed Tropicbird (Atlantic)

Phaethon lepturus

5/24/2026Hatteras Pelagic - On the Shelf (Inshore of the Shelf Break)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/26/2026

American Black Duck

125/26/2026

Mourning Dove

45/26/2026

Common Nighthawk

55/26/2026

King Rail

15/26/2026

American Oystercatcher

25/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/26/2026

Killdeer

25/26/2026

Semipalmated Plover

65/26/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

95/26/2026

Willet

45/26/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

65/26/2026

Red Knot

85/26/2026

Sanderling

165/26/2026

Dunlin

95/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

305/26/2026

Laughing Gull

345/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/26/2026

American Herring Gull

85/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

55/26/2026

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 Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point?
Notable species at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Greater Scaup. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point?
Birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Cape Point offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.