Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse

North Carolina · Southeast

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Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Blue-winged Teal among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Tundra Swan Blue-winged Teal Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/30/2026Obx1 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

5/29/2026Cape Hatteras NS--West Beach (Ramps 44-45)4 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/29/202646569 Flowers Ridge Rd, Buxton US-NC 35.25871, -75.535901 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/28/2026Lighthouse Rd, Buxton US-NC (35.2601,-75.5260)2 observed

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

Willet

35/29/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

35/29/2026

Sanderling

155/29/2026

Laughing Gull

15/29/2026

American Herring Gull

35/29/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/29/2026

Common Tern

65/29/2026

Roseate Tern

25/29/2026

Sandwich Tern

125/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

65/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/24/2026

Killdeer

15/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/24/2026

Least Tern

55/24/2026

White Ibis

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Osprey

15/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/24/2026

American Crow

15/24/2026

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

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse for birding?▼

The best months to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?▼

Notable species at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?▼

Birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?▼

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.