State of North Carolina

• Pelagics

  The Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras is generally the best spot in the western North Atlantic day in and day out for seeing a variety of pelagic seabirds, including a Gulf Stream specialty, the Black-capped Petrel. The Black-capped Petrel is a striking member of the genus Pterodroma, which nests in the West Indies, but regularly disperses northward into the blue waters of the Gulf Stream to feed. It can be seen off Hatteras year-round, but it is most common from May to October. During that time period, birders on pelagic trips here can expect to see 8 to 12 species of pelagic seabirds, including birds which breed in the Southern Ocean, the Eastern Atlantic, the Bahamas & West Indies, and the Arctic tundra. Both the Gulf Stream and deep water are within 20 to 30 miles of Cape Hatteras, so a day offshore is mostly is mostly spent in productive waters. A number of species have been added to the North Amaerican list as a result of organized bird watching trips in recent years. These include Bermuda Petrel, Cape Verde Shearwater, and Black-bellied Storm-Petrel. During the spring and summer, trips are available almost weekly aboard Brian Patteson's boat, the Stormy Petrel, and trips are also available on several winter weekends as well.

• Joshua S. Rose

  Department of Biology (Zoology)

• Brian Patteson

  | brian@patteson.com

  http://www.seabirding.com

• Number of bird species: 479

  (As at October 2018)

  State Bird - Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis

• A Birder's Guide to Coastal North Carolina

  | By JO Fussell | University of North Carolina Press | 2001 | Paperback | 560 pages, 12 illustrations, 44 maps | ISBN: 9780807844533 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Birding North Carolina

  | (More than 40 Premier Birding Locations) | Edited by Marshall Brooks & Mark Johns | Falcon Guides | 2005 | Paperback | 209 pages, b/w photos, b/w maps | ISBN: 9780762731343 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Birds of North Carolina

  | By Todd Telander | Falcon Guides | 2012 | Paperback | 96 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9780762778911 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Birds of the Carolinas

  | By Eloise F Potter, James F Parnell, Robert P Teulings & Ricky Davis | University of North Carolina Press | 2006 | Hardback | 399 pages, Colour photos | ISBN: 9780807856710 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Field Guide to Birds of the Carolinas

  | By Brian E Small & Nate Swick | ABA | 2016 | Paperback | 384 pages, 550 colour photos | ISBN: 9781935622635 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Carolinas

  | Edited by Jonathan Alderfer | National Geographic Society | 2005 | Paperback | 272 pages, maps, photos, drawings | ISBN: 9780792241867 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• The North Carolina Birding Trail

  | By North Carolina Birding Trail | University of North Carolina Press | 2008 | Spiralbound | 172 pages, 176 photographs, 2 tables, 121 maps | ISBN: 9780979446801 Buy this book from NHBS.com

• Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

  Festival
  In 1997 Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival was begun under the direction of then refuge manager, Mike Bryant, as a way to encourage and offer the public wildlife and wildland interpretation and educational opportunities and experiences on regional national wildlife refuges. This annual national wildlife refuge fundraising event has grown from a few offered activities in 1997, to over 90 birding, paddling, photography, art & natural history programs. The festival takes place in 6 national wildlife refuges over 6 northeast North Carolina counties.

• Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History

  Observatory WebsiteSatellite View
  Hilton Pond Center is the most active year-round bird banding station in the Carolinas. We're interested in all aspects of nature but specialize in banding and studying Ruby-throated Hummingbirds here and in Central America. (Open only by appointment.) Also see their Facebook page.

• Duke University - Dr. Steve Nowicki

  Webpage
  Our lab studies animal communication and sexual selection from an integrative perspective using a wide range of behavioral ecological, neuroethological, developmental, genetic, and evolutionary modeling techniques—we cover the full range of Tinbergen's famous Four Questions. Birds are our most common study subject, but we've also worked with spiders, shrimp, lobsters, insects, lizards, and primates, including humans.

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

  Website
  Welcome to an extraordinary resource! North Carolina’s most visited museum with one of the State’s most iconic landmarks—the SECU Daily Planet. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest institution of its kind in the South East and one of the nation’s most amazing museums about the natural world.

• Audubon North Carolina

  Website
  Established in 1997, the state office of Audubon North Carolina grew out of decades of volunteerism through chapters. Audubon North Carolina

• Audubon in North Carolina

  Website
  Casual bird watchers. Lifelong birders. Impassioned advocates for our natural heritage. Members of Audubon North Carolina's ten local chapters are devoted to supporting birds and the places they need, from our mountains to our coast.

• Cape Fear Audubon Society

  Website
  Welcome to the Cape Fear Audubon Society, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving Brunswick, Pender, New Hanover, and Onslow counties. We are proud to be serving such an exciting area of the North Carolina coast, rich in biodiversity and population.

• Carolina Bird Club

  Website
  The Carolina Bird Club is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the birding community in the Carolinas through its website, publications, meetings, workshops, trips, and partnerships...

• Carolina Raptor Center

  Website
  In September 1975 an injured Broad-winged Hawk was brought to the Biology department at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. The resident ornithologist, Dr Richard Brown, along with his students, took care of this bird and released it later that year. During the course of the next four years, about a dozen birds were brought to the university. By 1980 the need for a facility that cares for these birds became evident. While attending a national conference, Dr Brown and one of his students, Deb Sue Griffin decided to form an organization to rehabilitate injured raptors. The Carolina Raptor Rehabilitation and Research Center (CRRRC) was hatched - the name was later shortened to Carolina Raptor Center.

• Carolina Records Committee

  Website
  List of committee members and how to submit records…

• Carolina Young Birders Club

  Website
  The Carolina Young Birders Club strives to connect like-minded kids and teens throughout both North and South Carolina. We are a club for any young person aged 8-19 who has a interest in birds and lives in the Carolinas. It's free to join- all that we ask is to stay in contact with us and participate!

• Chapel Hill Bird Club

  Website
  The Chapel Hill Bird Club is for everyone who loves wild birds. Whether you watch birds in your yard or travel to ends of the earth for rarities, our club offers something for you: access to like-minded people including experts who can answer your questions, interesting programs, weekly field trips, Christmas and spring bird counts, and a Facebook group. We are a friendly group and welcome all. Our members mostly come from the Research Triangle area of North Carolina: Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro, and surrounding towns.

• Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society

  Website
  Welcome to the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society! EMAS is a chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving Buncombe, Henderson, and surrounding counties in the mountains of western North Carolina. We hope you will join us for programs, bird walks, and volunteer opportunities!

• Foothills Bird Club

  Website
  The Foothills Bird Club is open to all who are interested in birding and nature. There are NO dues, although donations are accepted. We invite everyone in the area who are interested, to join us on any of our trips and walks

• Forsyth Audubon

  Website
  If you enjoy exploring the outdoors and wish to discover many natural areas of Forsyth County (as well as some interesting "unnatural" ones, then we're the organization for you. Our "Second Saturday" birdwalks (held on the second Saturday of each month) will acquaint you with the many favorite Birding Spots in Forsyth County such as Historic Bethabara Park, Reynolda and Tanglewood Park. Come visit newer birding hotspots such as Muddy Creek Greenway, Civitan Park and Bethania's Walnut Bottoms. And don't forget that bird mecca, the Archie Elledge Water Treatment Plant.

• Great Smoky Mountains Association

  Website
  Our mission is to support the preservation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can support Great Smoky Mountains National Park by becoming a member of GSMA, shopping in our stores, and participating in the many exciting programs we offer. In our nearly 65 years of operation, we have contributed $36 million to the park. By joining us, you can help us make it another great day in the Smokies.

• High Country Audubon Society

  Website
  While May 30, 2007 was the first public meeting of the High Country Audubon Society, according to one of the “founding fathers”. Curtis Smalling. “this chapter kind of takes place of the original Grandfather Mountain chapter that was active in the 60’s and 70’s. That chapter was a seasonal chapter and had folks like Hugh Morton and Dr. Frank Randall who taught ornithology and other field courses at ASU for decades.”

• Highland Plateau Audubon Society

  Website
  The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them.

• Mecklenburg Audubon Society

  Website
  Mecklenburg Audubon Society is dedicated to promoting the appreciation, protection, and preservation of birds and other wildlife through education and conservation activities that will ensure they will survive and thrive.

• Nature Conservancy in North Carolina

  Webpage
  The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. For more than 41 years, we've been working in North Carolina to do just that.

• New Hope Audubon

  Website
  New Hope Audubon is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties in North Carolina. Our members live in Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, Pittsboro, and surrounding rural areas. New Hope Audubon strives to protect birds, wildlife, and their local habitats through conservation, education, advocacy, and outdoor enjoyment. Also see their Facebook page

• North Carolina Bluebird Society

  Website
  The brilliant blue seven inch male Eastern Bluebird with his rusty throat, breast and sides and white belly sits high atop a dead tree or branch, TV antenna, or power line to hunt for the insects that make up two-thirds of his diet. He and his mate also eat wild berries, especially in cold weather when insects are not available. They rarely damage cultivated crops, and are very beneficial to farmers and gardeners.

• North Carolinas Partners in Flight

  Website
  North Carolina Partners in Flight is a driving force in the field of neotropical migratory bird conservation…

• Piedmont Bird Club

  Website
  The Piedmont Bird Club was established in 1938. Besides our focus on birds, Club members also take an interest in nature in general and in the conservation of our natural resources. Membership is open to anyone interested in the study and protection of birds. See the Membership tab for more information on how to join.

• Sandhills Natural History Society

  Website
  The Sandhills Natural History Society was created as an outlet for those of us in the North Carolina Sandhills who appreciate and want to learn more about aspects of the Sandhills natural world and beyond. We share experiences and knowledge through field trips, presentations and special functions to foster stewardship within our Sandhills region.

• Seahawk Audubon Society

  Facebook Page
  The Seahawk Audubon Society is the UNCW affiliate of Cape Fear Audubon. Our purpose is to educate the community about the importance of nature while promoting conservation. Regular meetings will begin in the fall semester of 2015. Let us know if you want to get involved!

• T Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society

  Website
  Our mission is to foster appreciation, knowledge and enjoyment of birds and nature, and to preserve our natural heritage at local and global levels. The society publishes a monthly newsletter, “Nature Notes,” distributed via email, free of charge.

• Wake Audubon Society

  Website
  Advocating wildlife, nature and environmental conservation - Wake Audubon is a chapter of Audubon NC and of the National Audubon Society. Located in Wake County, North Carolina, we have a membership of about 1,500 and hold monthly meetings, field trips, bird walks and other activities.

Abbreviations Key

• IBA Amphibolites

  InformationSatellite View
  his site supports significant populations of neotropical migrant songbirds, species of conservation concern and Watchlist species. The site supports the largest concentration of Vesper Sparrows in North Carolina, along with significant numbers of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Canada Warblers, and Black-billed Cuckoo. A remnant stand of spruce-fir supports Northern Saw-whet Owl, Magnolia Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Golden-winged Warblers and their hybrids (and a recent second breeding season record of Blue-winged Warbler) occur here in the western drainages of Watauga and Ashe Counties.

• IBA Bald Head Island

  InformationSatellite View
  The site includes one of the state's largest and best examples of maritime forest (Criteria 3). The site supports the state's largest population of breeding painted buntings. Thousands of shorebirds (19 species) stopover during migration and winter in the area, utilizing the extensive tidal flats, marshes, and beach. Thousands of wading birds from the nearby Battery Island colony (8-10,000+ prs.) forage in the marshes, freshwater ponds, and along tidal creeks. Waterfowl numbers have declined over the past decade, but at least 12 species of ducks are common in the river, tidal creeks, bays and ponds.

• IBA Big Foot Island

  InformationSatellite View
  Big Foot Island is an artificial island located in Pamlico Sound, near Ocracoke Island. The island was constructed of dredged sand from a nearby navigation channel. Big Foot island is a nesting site for colonial seabirds and a winter resting area for Double-crested Cormorants.

• IBA Bull Creek

  InformationSatellite View
  This site supports one of North Carolina?s most significant populations Cerulean Warblers. The species has been documented between Craven Gap and Lane Pinnacle Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway for at least 20 years.

• IBA Cape Hatteras National Seashore

  InformationSatellite View
  Cape Hatteras National Seashore encompasses about 110 km (68 miles) of barrier islands, including much of the area known as the Outer Banks. The National Seashore represents approximately 20 percent of the coastline of North Carolina.

• IBA Carrot Island - Bird Shoal

  InformationSatellite View
  Carrot Island and Bird Shoal are part of the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Rachel Carson reserve site contains a large number of habitats, particularly wetland types, that occur in close proximity. Among these habitats are extensive intertidal mud and sand flats, ideal foraging areas for waterbirds.

• IBA Chowan River Bottomlands

  InformationSatellite View
  This site is located in northeastern North Carolina, near the town of Ahoskie. The Chowan River is a blackwater river that empties into Albemarle Sound near Edenton. The site is significant for breeding landbirds (Criteria 4g), wood ducks, barred owls, and woodpeckers. In addition, the site holds a significant diversity and abundance of species associated with cypress-tupelo swamp forest habitat...

• IBA Gull Island

  InformationSatellite View
  Gull Island is a remote, natural island in Pamlico Sound. It was previously the site of the Gull Island hunting club. The clubhouse burned in the early 1990s and was not reconstructed. The island is primarily marsh with small areas of shrub thicket. For at least three decades, this island has been a haven for nesting colonial waterbirds of many species, including terns, gulls, wading birds, and pelicans.

• IBA Sand Bag Island

  InformationSatellite View
  Sand Bag Island is a dredged-sand island is located near Cape Lookout. The island is managed for nesting waterbirds that require bare to sparse vegetation habitats, such as terns. Royal Terns and Sandwich Terns are the dominant species.

• NC & BS Pine Island Audubon Center & Donal C O'Brien Sanctuary

  WebpageSatellite View
  The Pine Island Sanctuary also harbors a great diversity of plants and animals. More than 350 species of plants have been recorded, including at least three rare and threatened species. In addition, 202 species of vertebrates have been recorded, including 7 amphibian species, 17 reptile species, 19 mammal species, and 159 species of birds that inhabit the waters, marshes, and surrounding woodlands, from Brown Pelicans to Prairie Warblers, depending on the season…

• NWR Alligator River

  WebpageSatellite View
  Established in 1984 and located on the mainland of eastern North Carolina, Alligator River contains over 152,000 acres. Many species of wildlife call Alligator River home. The refuge bird list suggests at least 200 species of birds spend at least a portion of their year here…

• NWR Great Dismal Swamp

  WebpageSatellite View
  Located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was formed in 1974 when Union Camp Corporation donated 49,100 acres of forested wetlands to The Nature Conservancy. This land was then conveyed to the Department of the Interior, and the Refuge officially established. The Refuge consists of over 107,000 acres, with Lake Drummond, a 3,100 acre natural lake in the center of the Swamp…

• NWR Mattamuskeet Lake

  InformationSatellite View
  Mattamuskeet Lake is the winter birding capital of the Pocosin. Tucked away in a sparsely populated corner of North Carolina roughly 170 miles due east of Raleigh, this is the favorite haunt of birders from the eastern part of the state as well as Virginia and South Carolina…

• NWR Pea Island

  WebpageSatellite View
  Located on the north end of Hatteras Island, this refuge was established in 1938 for the protection of wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. Stretching twelve miles from the Oregon Inlet to Rodanthe, it encompasses 6000 acres of land and 25,700 acres of boundary water of the Pamlico Sound, where hunting is off-limits. Pea Island is named for the wild pea vine which grows in there abundance.

• NWR Pocosin Lakes

  WebpageSatellite View
  The refuge has been working on re-introducing red wolves Canis rufus to the wild in efforts to prevent extinction of the species and to restore the habitat in which red wolves once occurred. On the brink of extinction, the eastern North Carolina red wolf population had been eliminated from the wild and the total population was believed to be less than 100 individuals…

• North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

  WebsiteSatellite View
  The North Carolina State Parks System exists for the enjoyment, education, health, and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the state parks system is to conserve and protect representative examples of the natural beauty, ecological features and recreational resources of statewide significance; to provide outdoor recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment; and to provide environmental education opportunities that promote stewardship of the state's natural heritage.

• SP Chimney Rock Park

  WebsiteSatellite View
  Chimney Rock Park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching throughout the seasons due to its endless variety of habitats ranging from riverbank to high cliffs. Along the Rocky Broad River, floodplain trees and wet thickets attract Yellow and Yellow-throated Warblers. Belted Kingfishers may be seen sitting on a branch surveying the river…

• CarolinaBirds

  Mailing ListBirds and Birding in the Carolinas
  This e-mail list serves as a forum to discuss wild birds, birders, and birding in the Carolinas, including rare birds, bird finding, bird identification, bird behavior, backyard birding, trip reports, bird counts, and bird club information.wild birds, birders, and birding in the Carolinas, including rare birds, bird finding, bird identification, bird behavior, backyard birding, trip reports, bird counts, and bird club information.

• Bird Treks

  Tour Operator
  Bird Treks has been providing small group and custom birding tours for over 20 years. Visit their website to see the incredible tours available, including a Gulf Stream pelagic with Seabirding Pelagic Trips!

• Seabirding Pelagic Trips

  Pelagics
  Brian Patteson offers pelagic trips from Hatteras, North Carolina to explore our near shore, dynamic ecosystem formed by the combination of the Continental Shelf edge & the Gulf Stream Current.

• Ventures Birding Tours

  Tour Operator
  Ventures Birding Tours was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. With the Blue Ridge Mountains on our doorstep, it was a natural to head out and explore the abundant birdlife.

• 2016 [05 May] - Bruce Wedderburn - Southeast USA

  Report
  This was a two-month trip to southeast USA for Yvonne and myself, from late March through to late May, with a focus on the Spring migration, in particular the highly varied and colourful warblers. The trip commenced in Dallas in early Spring and involved touring through Texas along the Mexican border, following the Gulf of Mexico around to Florida as far south as Key West, then heading north up the east coast of the USA, then inland to the Appalachian Ranges in North Carolina, before heading west for our return trip to Dallas. Qantas has direct flights from Sydney to Dallas which avoids flying on any internal flights within the USA.

• Cape Pines Motel - Buxton

  Accommodation
  Welcome to the Cape Pines Motel on Hatteras Island on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. We are located 1/2 mile south of the entrance to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and beautiful ocean beach in the midst of Cape Hatteras National Seashore...

• Duke of Dare Motor Lodge

  Accommodation
  Often hosts birders headed for NC pelagic trips

• Village Realty

  Accommodation
  Village Realty offers over 600 Outer Banks vacation rentals from two-bedroom condos to twelve-bedroom homes. From the oceanfront to the soundfront, we specialize in Outer Banks rentals in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Corolla. Customer service is our number one priority, and we will go the extra mile to make your Outer Banks vacation special. Village Realty will help you vacation… Outer Banks Style!

• Wray House B&B

  Accommodation
  During the summer, tables tucked away under the grape arbor are a favorite place for breakfast or quiet conversation. Birds of every feather provide songs and entertainment as they feed and fuss.

• Birding Spots Guide

  Website
  The Seashore is famous for its great concentration of migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. Nearly 400 species of birds have been sighted within the Parks boundaries and adjacent waters. Bird watching is best during the spring and fall migrations. In Buxton Woods at Cape Point, visitors can explore the largest surviving maritime forest in North Carolina. Hawks are especially predominant here, and a variety of fresh-water reptiles such as yellow-bellied sliders can be found in the freshwater ponds.

• Cape Lookout National Seashore

  Information
  The seashore is a 56 mile long section of the Outer Banks of North Carolina running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southeast. The three undeveloped barrier islands which make up the seashore - North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks - may seem barren and isolated but they offer many natural and historical features that can make a visit very rewarding…

• International Center for Birds of Prey

  Website
  The International Center for Birds of Prey (ICBP) is a non-profit educational, scientific and conservation organization located near Charleston, South Carolina.

• North Carolina Outdoors

  Webpage
  Exploring, Enjoying, and Protecting the Natural and Cultural Heritage of North Carolina.

• Will Cook's Web Site

  Website
  Lots of terrific information and links for Carolina birders!

• Meg - Taking Flight

  BLOG
  Last updated 2015 - Wild birds in North Carolina…

• Paula Page - Exploring Nature in NC

  BLOG
  Last updated February 2017 - Paula Page exploring wildlife in North Carolina with primary focus on birds…

• Sam & Lucas - The Birder's Conundrum

  BLOG
  Last updated 2015 - Birding is a conundrum, in both senses of the word. Here at The Birder's Conundrum, an up-and-coming birding blog, we strive to explain this dual meaning to the best of our abilities. The simple act of birding is riddled with "confusing and difficult problems or questions" - perplexing identifications, new science, and why we do what we do as birders. We also will ask difficult (and sometimes embarrassing) questions for your reading pleasure, by exploring the pastime's quirks and obsessive characters that can make birding funny as hell. Nothing is off-limits. So welcome, and get excited. This is going to be Great(er).

• Photographer - Fred Hurteau

  Gallery
  Much of my photography for CarolinaWildPhoto.com is done along North Carolina's coastline and inland coastal areas, where my favorite subjects are birds and wild horses. I also frequent many other locations along the eastern seaboard, with ducks, shorebirds and other waterfowl topping my list...