Wetland birding habitat

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/17/20261999 North Carolina 32, Plymouth, North Carolina, US (35.869, -76.715)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

15/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

205/22/2026

Osprey

15/22/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/22/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/22/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/22/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/22/2026

Blue Jay

15/22/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/22/2026

Gray Catbird

25/22/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/22/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/22/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/22/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/22/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

115/22/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/22/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

15/22/2026

Prairie Warbler

15/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Notable species at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit include Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Birding at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.