Fort Fisher State Historic Site

North Carolina · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

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

Canada Goose Black Scoter Clapper Rail Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

4/17/2026Wallace Park1 observed

Black-whiskered Vireo

Vireo altiloquus

4/17/2026Carolina Beach State Park1 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

4/17/2026Olde Brunswick Store Trail1 observed

Bachman's Sparrow

Peucaea aestivalis

4/15/2026Carolina Beach State Park1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/15/2026Orton Pond47 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

4/14/2026River HOTEL1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

4/14/2026Andover Rd1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Northern)

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/13/2026Orton Shop30 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

4/12/20260. Channel Drive1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/7/2026Logan1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

24/8/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/8/2026

Eastern Bluebird

44/8/2026

House Finch

14/8/2026

Laughing Gull

4/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

4/6/2026

Great Egret

14/6/2026

Carolina Wren

14/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/6/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

74/6/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
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 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.