Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond

North Carolina · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalLakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 256 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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

3/4/2026Nags 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

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

122/28/2026

Tundra Swan

52/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

802/28/2026

Gadwall

602/28/2026

American Black Duck

142/28/2026

Northern Pintail

202/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

62/28/2026

Bufflehead

82/28/2026

American Coot

42/28/2026

Snow Goose

302/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

32/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

22/25/2026

Mallard

42/24/2026

American Avocet

402/24/2026

Marbled Godwit

12/24/2026

Dunlin

202/24/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

302/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2002/24/2026

White Ibis

12/24/2026

Great Egret

12/24/2026

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 - South Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond 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 - South Pond?
Notable species at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Black Duck. The area supports coastal, lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond?
Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond 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 - South Pond?
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - South Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.