With the beach’s alternating marsh-beach environments and array of nature preserves, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for birding. Outer Banks birding can be enjoyed as you tour Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Pine Island Sanctuary and Center, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kitty Hawk Woods, Buxton Woods, Springer’s Point and other Outer Banks nature reserves and trails. As you explore these parks and preserves, you’ll get to see a diverse population of birds interacting in their natural habitat. Another way to experience Outer Banks birding is to do so from the water. Some charter fishing boats offer alternative trips that can help you and your crew find birds you have a better chance of seeing on the water as opposed to on land. In July and August on Roanoke Island at the old Manns Harbor bridge, you can witness one of the Seven Wonders of the Outer Banks when thousands upon thousands of purple martins take flight in one huge swoosh at sunrise then return in the same way at sunset. It’s a sight you’ll never forget. Whether you want to spend the day searching for native species of birds or prefer to spot one of two while doing other activities, check out the listings below to see where will help you add that 100th specie of bird to your birding journal.
Outer Banks Things To Do by Area
Corolla | Duck & Southern Shores | Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head
Roanoke Island & Manteo | Hatteras Island | Ocracoke Island
Outer Banks Things To Do by Category
Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary is one of only a few remaining examples of natural plant and animal assemblages that were once found in abundance on the...read more
Ocracoke’s beach has attracted increasing national attention as it worked its way up on Dr. Beach’s acclaimed annual list of 10 Best Beaches in the USA; he...read more
The Outer Banks is often referred to as a birder’s paradise. Maritime forest areas, such as Nags Head Woods, Kitty Hawk Woods and Buxton Woods, have great...read more
Near the lighthouse on the National Park Service grounds is a 3/4-mile trail through the maritime forest of Buxton Woods. From N.C. Highway 12, turn onto...read more
Buxton Woods is one of the largest remaining maritime forests in the Southeast. It consists of pine- and oak-covered dune ridges interspersed with maritime...read more
This boardwalk cuts through a small portion of swamp forest and brackish marsh. The variety of flora and fauna you’ll see here is astounding. Sweet gum, red...read more
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just...read more
This beautiful boardwalk and trail leads from the road to the sound, traversing through maritime evergreen forest, swamp forest and brackish marsh. Along...read more
This ecotourism company offers nature-themed experiences for all ages. Learn about ghost crabs and chase them on the beach, look for birds in the birding...read more
Just across from the National Park Service’s Ocracoke Campground, Hammock Hills Nature Trail is a 3/4-mile trail through the island’s maritime forest and...read more
