Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow 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

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

3/5/2026Pocosin Lakes NWR--Pungo Unit4 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026Pocosin Lakes NWR--Pungo Unit (Entrance Fields)15 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/24/2026Pocosin Lakes NWR--Pungo Unit5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

13/5/2026

Canada Goose

33/5/2026

Tundra Swan

25003/5/2026

Wood Duck

63/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

233/5/2026

Gadwall

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

23/5/2026

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Northern Pintail

13/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

63/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Killdeer

93/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

103/5/2026

Northern Harrier

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

23/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Notable species at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit include Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, Northern Shoveler, Canada Goose, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Birding at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit?
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge - Pungo Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.