Over 30 species of waterfowl overwinter in North Carolina’s coastal lakes, impoundments, and marshes. Some species, such as Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and Redheads can be seen by the thousands or even tens of thousands during the midwinter.

Shorebirds can be found year-round in large numbers along the coast, but shorebirding is particularly good during spring and fall migrations, when diversity is at its peak. Spring and summer are good for breeding species like Wilson’s Plover and Black-necked Stilt.

Nowhere else in the state can such a variety of gulls and terns be reliably found, including rarer species like Iceland Gull or Roseate Tern. Pelagic species (jaegers, storm-petrels, shearwaters) can also be spotted from shore with patience and favorable winds.

Major hotspots like Pea Island and Fort Fisher offer year-round opportunities to find rare birds. A few examples of mega rarities from recent years include Painted Redstart, Smith’s Longspur, and Garganey.