The Binocular Site
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina provide a diverse and interesting wildlife experience whether you're birdwatching or just animal watching.
Several parks and gardens invite visitors to get out there. Forest and beaches are both found here, with a 1400 acre maritime forest known as the Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods.
The forest includes five miles of trails. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is perhaps the richest part of Outer Banks in terms of birdwatching, and over its 6000 acres, it is home to over 360 bird species.
In spring through autumn many shore and upland birds are seen, and public programs are available during the summer and fall. Tiny Plovers and majestic Tundra Swans as well as Willets, Sandpipers, and Godwits are found. Also look for Snow and Canada Geese, Eurasian and American Wigeons, and Royal and Sandwich Terns.
The Outer Banks are a great place to see several varieties of raptors including Sharp-shinned Hawks, Merlins, and Peregrine Falcons.
Chartered boat trips into the Atlantic from Manteo and Hatteras often last ten or more hours, depending on the season. These pelagic trips offer excellent opportunities to see the vast array of birds available.
The North Carolina state bird is the Northern Cardinal and you can find a checklist of birds to watch for in North Carolina here.
Photo credit to jencommunicado, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the history, activities, lodging and wildlife at the Outer Banks by visiting their official visitor bureau here.If you've visited the Outer Banks, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this North Carolina bird watching location below.
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