Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 322 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Black Scoter, Black-bellied Plover, and Razorbill among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 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

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

2/22/2026Cape Hatteras NS -- Ramp 23-271 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

2/22/2026Cape Hatteras NS -- Ramp 30-341 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

102/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

12/28/2026

Razorbill

222/28/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

302/28/2026

Laughing Gull

12/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

182/28/2026

American Herring Gull

482/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

42/28/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

202/28/2026

Red-throated Loon

182/28/2026

Common Loon

12/28/2026

Northern Gannet

402/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1302/28/2026

Brown Pelican

32/28/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

32/28/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

22/28/2026

Canada Goose

2/28/2026

Tundra Swan

2/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

2/28/2026

Gadwall

2/28/2026

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 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge include Black Scoter, Black-bellied Plover, Razorbill, Bonaparte's Gull, Laughing Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Pea 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 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.