Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Mourning Dove, and Wilson's Snipe 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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/6/2026Hickory1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/6/2026**Back Bay NWR32 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

3/5/2026Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.67204, -75.9153814 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach US-VA 36.67204, -75.915381 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

3/4/2026**Back Bay NWR1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/1/2026Princess Anne WMA--Beasley Tract1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

3/1/2026Harris Teeter Retention Pond5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/3/2026

Mourning Dove

23/3/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Northern Flicker

13/3/2026

Blue Jay

23/3/2026

American Crow

13/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/3/2026

Carolina Wren

13/3/2026

Gray Catbird

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

103/3/2026

House Finch

13/3/2026

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 Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge include Mallard, Mourning Dove, Wilson's Snipe, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.