Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail

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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/3/2026Rodanthe Boat Access Area2 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

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/27/2026First Flight Boardwalk1 observed

American Herring x Lesser Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x fuscus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

33/5/2026

Gadwall

153/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Clapper Rail

13/5/2026

American Coot

23/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

503/5/2026

White Ibis

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

23/5/2026

Mallard

23/1/2026

American Black Duck

103/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/1/2026

Willet

43/1/2026

Dunlin

13/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

63/1/2026

American Herring Gull

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

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 Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail 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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Clapper Rail. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail 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 - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - Salt Flats Wildlife Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.