Coastal birding habitat

Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, and Great Egret 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

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

7/21/2026West first street Ocean Isle Beach1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/20/2026Sunset Beach--Twin Lakes2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/17/2026Sunset Beach--East End2 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/12/2026Kingston Plantation2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

7/11/2026McLean Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Clapper Rail

17/20/2026

Common Gallinule

27/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Laughing Gull

67/20/2026

Forster's Tern

17/20/2026

Royal Tern

27/20/2026

Wood Stork

267/20/2026

Anhinga

27/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

White Ibis

387/20/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

57/20/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

137/20/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

57/20/2026

Green Heron

37/20/2026

Great Egret

57/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/20/2026

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 Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes?
Notable species at Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes include Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes?
Birding at Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes?
Sunset Beach - Twin Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.