Carolina Beach State Park

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Carolina Beach State Park is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet 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

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/5/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/5/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/5/2026Andover Rd1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/4/2026Ft. Fisher rec pier1 observed

Dovekie

Alle alle

3/3/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier1 observed

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

3/3/2026Oak Island Pier, Oak Island, North Carolina, US (33.904, -78.082)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

2/28/2026Carolina Beach Lake1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

2/28/2026Long Leaf Drive and Holland Drive1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

2/28/2026Carolina Beach Lake3 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

2/28/2026Landfall Lake - private (permission required)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/3/2026

Brown Creeper

13/3/2026

Carolina Wren

23/3/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/3/2026

Black Scoter

73/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/2/2026

Brown Pelican

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

3/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

3/1/2026

Canada Goose

13/1/2026

Laughing Gull

103/1/2026

Royal Tern

13/1/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/1/2026

American Crow

53/1/2026

Fish Crow

33/1/2026

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 Carolina Beach State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Carolina Beach State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Carolina Beach State Park?
Notable species at Carolina Beach State Park include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Carolina Wren. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carolina Beach State Park?
Birding at Carolina Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Carolina Beach State Park?
Carolina Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.