Birding is one of the most popular things to do in Hatteras because the island is one of the top birding locations on the East Coast. An incredible variety of birds can be seen on the beach, on the sound, in impoundments, in estuaries, in maritime forests and even offshore. Whether you’re casually looking or actively seeking, you’ll be amazed at the variety of birds you can see on the island. Hatteras Island birding tours are available if you want to join an expert.
Birding in Hatteras
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 Lighthouse Road and continue around the curve to the right past the lighthouse. The trailhead is on the right at the picnic area. A pine needle-covered path leads back into the forest. Along the way there are informational signs...read more
Birding in Hatteras
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 swamp forest and unique marshy wetlands known locally as sedges. It’s a very rare global ecosystem, and most visitors don’t even realize it exists. The North Carolina Coastal Reserve, a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, maintains more than 1,000...read more
Birding in Nags Head
The first national seashore in the country, Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches more than 70 miles along parts of three islands: Bodie Island (just south of Nags Head), Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. It is a place for recreation, immersion in nature and inspiration for humans as well as a safe haven for a variety of wildlife. The beautiful barrier island environment is a place...read more
Birding in Hatteras
Hatteras Island Ocean Center is an indoor/outdoor nature center that provides a wide variety of interactive educational activities for people of all ages. Nature programs are held on weekdays all summer long, including Sea Turtle Patrol, Kayak Nature Tours and Marsh Madness. Call or see the website for the schedule and prices. The Ocean Center's exhibit room is open from 12 to 5 p.m. Monday...read more
Birding in Hatteras
The Hatteras Island Park Store is located on the grounds of Cape Hatteras Light Station. No visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is complete without a stop at the Park Store for seashore-related gifts. Lots of parking and restrooms are on site. The Hatteras Island Park Store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas.read more
Birding in Hatteras
Feeling adventurous? Little Godspeed Charters has so many Hatteras Island adventures that you could have fun doing a different one every day of your vacation. Capt. David Wilson is a local, seasoned captain who's been running boats for decades. When he decided to retire from offshore fishing, he still had a yearning for being on the water and helping people understand our waterways, so he...read more
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes, protects and promotes America’s most outstanding roadways. With its picturesque lighthouses, rolling sand dunes, stunning beaches, brackish marshes, thriving wildlife and unique maritime culture, the landscape of the Outer Banks certainly meets the definition of outstanding. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway’s north entrance is at Whalebone Junction in Nags Head, which is also the northernmost entrance to Cape...read more
Birding in Hatteras
The refuge’s visitor center, located on the northern end of Hatteras Island about 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet, is a good place to start a Pea Island visit. It gives an introduction to the ecosystems and wildlife of the refuge and the activities that are permissible there. You may also pick up informational brochures and trail maps. Restrooms and parking are available. You may...read more
Birding in Hatteras
The proximity of the Gulf Stream, Continental Shelf and Labrador Current make Cape Hatteras a dynamic environment that attracts a plethora of sea birds. Capt. Brian Patteson, who has been leading pelagic bird trips since 1986, takes trips to the Gulf Stream to see these birds on his 61-foot boat, Stormy Petrel II. Each trip is staffed by two to five leaders, each of whom...read more
Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival is an annual six-day celebration devoted to celebrating the wild side of the Outer Banks and the surrounding region. Held in October, the festival offers almost 100 programs in themes ranging from birding and wildlife photography to paddling, natural history and more. It’s a fun and educational event for the whole family, and since it takes place in the shoulder...read more
