Coastal birding habitat

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

American Black Duck

65/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

35/26/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/26/2026

Marbled Godwit

15/26/2026

Willet

25/26/2026

Laughing Gull

25/26/2026

Least Tern

15/26/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

35/26/2026

Canada Goose

115/26/2026

American Oystercatcher

15/26/2026

Killdeer

35/26/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

25/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

45/26/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/26/2026

Osprey

15/26/2026

Barn Swallow

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/26/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

45/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/26/2026

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 - South Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond 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 - South Pond?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond 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 - South Pond?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.