Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Blue-winged Teal 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

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus

3/6/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

California Gull

Larus californicus

3/5/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

3/5/2026Lighthouse Road, Buxton, North Carolina, US (35.244, -75.534)

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/202640187 Carflay Ct, Avon US-NC 35.34822, -75.507531 observed

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast)

Ammospiza nelsoni

3/4/2026Hatteras Point1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/2/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Ramp 44-491 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/2/20267653–7659 Secondary Road 12, Ocracoke US-NC 35.17419, -75.801781 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/2/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutus

3/2/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

3/2/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/2/2026Cape Hatteras NS--Cape Point5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

3/2/2026

Tundra Swan

3/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

3/2/2026

Gadwall

3/2/2026

Mallard

3/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/2/2026

Black Scoter

3/2/2026

Bufflehead

3/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

3/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

3/2/2026

American Coot

3/2/2026

Black-bellied Plover

3/2/2026

Willet

3/2/2026

Sanderling

3/2/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

3/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/2/2026

American Herring Gull

3/2/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

3/2/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

3/2/2026

Iceland Gull

3/2/2026

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 Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?
Notable species at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?
Birding at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse?
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - Old Lighthouse offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.