Coastal birding habitat

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 299 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Gadwall, Mallard, and American Black Duck 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

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

7/18/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Oregon Inlet Beach (North)3 observed

Eastern Towhee (White-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

7/16/2026Pea Island NWR1 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

7/13/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Roseate Tern

Sterna dougallii

7/13/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/13/2026Pea Island NWR--North Pond Photo Blind1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/10/2026Oregon Inlet Fishing Center1 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

7/6/2026Pea Island NWR--Salt Flats Wildlife Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

47/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/17/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Semipalmated Plover

57/17/2026

Piping Plover

67/17/2026

Willet

127/17/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

17/17/2026

Sanderling

457/17/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

107/17/2026

Laughing Gull

97/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/17/2026

American Herring Gull

17/17/2026

Black Skimmer

37/17/2026

Least Tern

207/17/2026

Common Tern

47/17/2026

Roseate Tern

17/17/2026

Sandwich Tern

47/17/2026

Royal Tern

47/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/17/2026

Snowy Egret

17/17/2026

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 - Old Coast Guard Station for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station 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 - Old Coast Guard Station?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station include Gadwall, Mallard, American Black Duck, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station 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 - Old Coast Guard Station?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Old Coast Guard Station offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.