What started as a stormy Saturday morning turned into a great day to look for birds! During CSI’s most recent public program, Birding at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, participants identified a variety of shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and waterfowl.
CSI’s recent three-hour program at the refuge took place in late August and included transportation from CSI to Pea Island and back. Attendees walked along part of the North Pond Trail, stopped into the Visitors Center, crossed over the dunes, and visited the South Pond Observation Deck. Across the different refuge locations, more than 20 different species were observed, including one black-necked stilt, a variety of herons and egrets, brown pelicans, black ducks, least and Forster’s terns, sanderlings, willets, and killdeer. In addition to assisting with identification, trip leaders shared tips, tricks, and resources for beginning birders.
“I didn’t realize we would be able to see so many species on such a short outing,” one participant later shared. “The leaders were able to quickly and easily identify birds for us to see, and that was especially helpful for our family of amateur birders. It was quite an enjoyable trip, and we plan to sign up again for future programs!”
As summer turns to fall and then winter, the Outer Banks and eastern North Carolina are truly a birders’ paradise. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was first established in the late 1930s, is critical habitat for bird species, serving as a crucial rest stop along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the world’s major migratory routes. Over the course of each year, the refuge provides food and shelter for nearly 380 species. With so many species visiting throughout the year and a variety of access points, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot for birders. And while many species are departing the area during the fall migration season, others, such as ducks and majestic white pelicans, will soon arrive to spend the winter. Other notable birding locations include Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, both of which are managed to provide suitable habitat for migratory birds.
CSI’s public programs are facilitated by the Education and Outreach Team.
“These trips are some of our favorite programs to host. They are a great way for novice birders to practice their skills and for experienced bird enthusiasts to share their wealth of knowledge. Eastern North Carolina offers such a unique birding landscape, and it is always a pleasure to share it with our program participants!” says Education Specialist and trip guide, Lauren Kerlin.
CSI plans to host more birding programs in the future. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming programs!
The preceding story first appeared in the Summer 2026 edition of CoastLines, published in September.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
