Waterfowl on impoundments at Pea Island NWR on the Outer Banks

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalMarshWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-February

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Pea Island NWR on the Outer Banks is a premier destination for wintering waterfowl and migrating shorebirds along the Atlantic Flyway. The North Pond trail offers easy access to impoundments where Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and ducks gather by the thousands.

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

Ruff

Calidris pugnax

4/17/2026Bodie Island Lighthouse & Pond1 observed

Common Eider

Somateria mollissima

4/17/2026Oregon Inlet South Rock Jetty1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/7/2026Alligator River Refuge - Little Field Rd.1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

4/6/2026Bodie Spit 20261 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/5/2026Koehring Rd, ARNWR, US-NC 35.76750, -75.795681 observed

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

4/5/2026Koehring Rd, ARNWR, US-NC 35.76750, -75.795682 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

4/4/2026Pea Island NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Osprey

14/17/2026

Laughing Gull

44/17/2026

American Herring Gull

14/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

54/17/2026

Brown Pelican

104/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/17/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

14/17/2026

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Willet

14/15/2026

Royal Tern

4/15/2026

Great Egret

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

24/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/15/2026

Common Eider

14/4/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

24/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the North Pond trail for the best variety of waterfowl

  2. 2

    Check the ocean side for pelagic species during nor'easters

  3. 3

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

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 November-February. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.
What birds can I see at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge include Tundra Swan, Snow Goose, Piping Plover, Peregrine Falcon, Tricolored Heron, Black Scoter, Killdeer, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal, marsh, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Observation Platforms.