Coastal birding habitat

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

807/20/2026

Mallard

17/20/2026

American Black Duck

147/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Clapper Rail

17/20/2026

American Avocet

327/20/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/20/2026

Black-bellied Plover

67/20/2026

Killdeer

27/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

117/20/2026

Marbled Godwit

87/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

387/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

137/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

47/20/2026

Willet

307/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

307/20/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

17/20/2026

Sanderling

57/20/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

3007/20/2026

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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail 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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Clapper Rail. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail 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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.