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

Loading map...

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

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

5/30/2026440–618 Shoreline Dr W, Sunset Beach US-NC 33.88010, -78.531017 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

5/29/2026Sunset Beach--East End1 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

5/28/2026Waties Island - South End and Hog Inlet1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/26/2026440–618 Shoreline Dr W, Sunset Beach US-NC 33.88012, -78.531152 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/25/2026Sunset Beach--East End1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anhinga

45/29/2026

Snowy Egret

35/29/2026

Green Heron

25/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/29/2026

Osprey

45/29/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

65/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/22/2026

Clapper Rail

25/22/2026

Killdeer

15/22/2026

Sanderling

25/22/2026

Least Sandpiper

35/22/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

65/22/2026

Laughing Gull

45/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/22/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

65/22/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

15/22/2026

Little Blue Heron

35/22/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/22/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

15/22/2026

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.