Forest birding habitat

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Black Scoter, and Clapper Rail 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Orton Pond4 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/22/2026Andover Rd1 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

5/21/2026Atlantic Ocean. 1 Mile Off Shore.3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/19/2026Carolina Beach State Park6 observed

Black-whiskered Vireo

Vireo altiloquus

5/18/2026Carolina Beach State Park1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

5/17/2026Fort Fisher--Federal Point/The Rocks15 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

165/24/2026

Laughing Gull

35/24/2026

Brown Pelican

45/24/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/24/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

55/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?
Notable species at Fort Fisher State Historic Site include Canada Goose, Black Scoter, Clapper Rail, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?
Birding at Fort Fisher State Historic Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?
Fort Fisher State Historic Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.