Fort Fisher State Historic Site

North Carolina · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Black Scoter, and Clapper Rail among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Black Scoter Clapper Rail Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull

Live Bird Data

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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

2/28/2026Carolina Beach Lake1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

2/28/2026Carolina Beach Lake3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/4/2026

Black Scoter

3/4/2026

Clapper Rail

3/4/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

3/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

3/4/2026

Brown Pelican

3/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

3/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

3/4/2026

Eastern Phoebe

3/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

3/4/2026

Sedge Wren

3/4/2026

Carolina Wren

3/4/2026

European Starling

3/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

3/4/2026

Eastern Bluebird

3/4/2026

American Robin

3/4/2026

Cedar Waxwing

3/4/2026

House Finch

3/4/2026

Savannah Sparrow

3/4/2026

Swamp Sparrow

3/4/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in North Carolina

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Outer Banks refuge famous for wintering waterfowl and migrant shorebirds.

Airlie Gardens

Forest birding hotspot in North Carolina with 248 recorded species.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

River/Riparian birding hotspot in North Carolina with 271 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site for birding?▼

The best months to visit Fort Fisher State Historic Site for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?▼

Notable species at Fort Fisher State Historic Site include Canada Goose, Black Scoter, Clapper Rail, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?▼

Birding at Fort Fisher State Historic Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Fort Fisher State Historic Site?▼

Fort Fisher State Historic Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.