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

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/9/2026North River Farms (permission required)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/6/2026North River Farms (permission required)2 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

4/6/2026North River Farms (permission required)2 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

4/6/2026North River Farms (permission required)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

24/11/2026

Clapper Rail

84/11/2026

Virginia Rail

64/11/2026

American Bittern

14/11/2026

Least Bittern

14/11/2026

American Barn Owl

14/11/2026

Marsh Wren

84/11/2026

Seaside Sparrow

64/11/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

24/11/2026

Black-necked Stilt

54/6/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

114/6/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

34/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

54/6/2026

Laughing Gull

34/6/2026

Royal Tern

44/6/2026

Common Loon

374/6/2026

White Ibis

304/6/2026

Glossy Ibis

124/6/2026

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.