Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 242 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, American Oystercatcher, 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

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

Dovekie

Alle alle

3/3/2026Johnnie Mercer's Pier1 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

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Oystercatcher

23/5/2026

Sanderling

203/5/2026

Glossy Ibis

13/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

Mallard

53/3/2026

Laughing Gull

303/3/2026

American Herring Gull

203/3/2026

Common Loon

83/3/2026

Northern Gannet

103/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

103/3/2026

Black-bellied Plover

93/1/2026

Killdeer

33/1/2026

Semipalmated Plover

203/1/2026

Piping Plover

13/1/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

163/1/2026

Willet

33/1/2026

Dunlin

2003/1/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

503/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

403/1/2026

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 Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area?
Notable species at Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area include Mallard, American Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Laughing Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area?
Birding at Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area?
Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.