Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 296 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, Willet, and Sanderling 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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/4/2026Ft. Fisher rec 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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/21/2026576 Vela Path Southeast, Bolivia, North Carolina, US (33.962, -78.188)3 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/20/20267600–8000 Lee Buck Rd SE, Winnabow US-NC 34.12521, -78.026371 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

13/1/2026

Willet

13/1/2026

Sanderling

13/1/2026

Laughing Gull

53/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

143/1/2026

American Herring Gull

23/1/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/1/2026

Forster's Tern

83/1/2026

Horned Grebe

33/1/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/1/2026

Common Loon

203/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

6003/1/2026

Brown Pelican

153/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/1/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

253/1/2026

Surf Scoter

102/28/2026

Black Scoter

152/28/2026

Mourning Dove

112/28/2026

Clapper Rail

12/28/2026

American Oystercatcher

222/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area include Killdeer, Willet, Sanderling, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?
Birding at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area?
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.