Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, and Double-crested Cormorant 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

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Bodie Island--Coquina Beach1 observed

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus

3/3/2026Harvey Soundside Park1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/2/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/2/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier2 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

2/28/2026Duck Park Boardwalk1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

2/28/2026Alligator River NWR--Sawyer Lake Rd.1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/27/2026First Flight Boardwalk1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

23/5/2026

Brown Creeper

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

American Robin

43/5/2026

Purple Finch

23/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

53/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/5/2026

Common Grackle

23/5/2026

Pine Warbler

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

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 Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve?
Notable species at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve include Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve?
Birding at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve?
Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.