Coastal birding habitat

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/27/2026North River Farms (permission required)2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/24/2026Cedar Island Ferry Terminal1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/23/2026North River Farms (permission required)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/22/2026North River Farms (permission required)1 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

Clapper Rail

25/22/2026

Virginia Rail

55/22/2026

Black-necked Stilt

25/22/2026

Willet

15/22/2026

Purple Martin

15/22/2026

Marsh Wren

45/22/2026

Seaside Sparrow

75/22/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/20/2026

Killdeer

55/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/20/2026

Laughing Gull

75/20/2026

Least Tern

55/20/2026

Royal Tern

35/20/2026

Brown Pelican

65/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/20/2026

Tree Swallow

65/20/2026

Barn Swallow

85/20/2026

Carolina Wren

25/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/20/2026

American Robin

25/20/2026

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 National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.