Coastal birding habitat

Cedar Island Ferry Terminal

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cedar Island Ferry Terminal is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Black Scoter, Hooded Merganser, and Black-bellied Plover 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

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

5/29/2026Ocracoke Island--South Point1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/24/2026Cedar Island Ferry Terminal1 observed

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

5/21/2026Cape Lookout NS--Portsmouth Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

385/24/2026

Mourning Dove

25/24/2026

American Oystercatcher

15/24/2026

Killdeer

95/24/2026

Semipalmated Plover

65/24/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

45/24/2026

Willet

25/24/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

75/24/2026

Red Knot

15/24/2026

Sanderling

55/24/2026

Dunlin

65/24/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

55/24/2026

Laughing Gull

405/24/2026

Least Tern

35/24/2026

Gull-billed Tern

15/24/2026

Forster's Tern

15/24/2026

Royal Tern

255/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/24/2026

Glossy Ibis

15/24/2026

Snowy Egret

15/24/2026

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 Cedar Island Ferry Terminal for birding?
The best months to visit Cedar Island Ferry Terminal for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cedar Island Ferry Terminal?
Notable species at Cedar Island Ferry Terminal include Black Scoter, Hooded Merganser, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cedar Island Ferry Terminal?
Birding at Cedar Island Ferry Terminal is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cedar Island Ferry Terminal?
Cedar Island Ferry Terminal offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.