Coastal birding habitat

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Black Scoter, Black-bellied Plover, and Razorbill 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

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

5/26/202625239 Sea Vista Dr, Avon US-NC (35.5636,-75.4652)1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/26/2026Waves soundfront1 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

5/24/2026Bonner Bridge Pier1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/23/2026Bonner Bridge Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/27/2026

American Black Duck

125/27/2026

Clapper Rail

55/27/2026

Black-necked Stilt

55/27/2026

American Avocet

105/27/2026

Black-bellied Plover

15/27/2026

Killdeer

15/27/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/27/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

35/27/2026

Willet

35/27/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/27/2026

Dunlin

25/27/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

205/27/2026

Laughing Gull

25/27/2026

American Herring Gull

25/27/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

15/27/2026

Least Tern

105/27/2026

Forster's Tern

35/27/2026

Royal Tern

25/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/27/2026

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 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge include Black Scoter, Black-bellied Plover, Razorbill, Bonaparte's Gull, Laughing Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Pea 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 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.