The serene beaches and nature preserves of Brunswick County in North Carolina is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species frequenting the skies throughout the year. The serene beaches and nature preserves provide temporary resting spots and year-round habitats for more than 330 bird species.
Southeastern coastal North Carolina offers a unique combination of ecosystems, including beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes, forests, and rivers. This diverse environment attracts a wide variety of birds, such as nesting shorebirds, coastal birds, birds of prey, and backyard songbirds. While our lists are not exhaustive, they provide a glimpse of the beautiful coastal birds you may encounter during your vacation adventures.
Spotting the magnificent brown pelican soaring through the skies is a treat not to be missed. In spring and fall, North Carolina becomes a temporary home for migratory birds, adding an extra element of excitement to your bird-watching experience. Keep an eye out for the vibrant scarlet tanager and other fascinating bird species that call our region home.
For optimal bird-watching opportunities, explore the nearby state parks, which offer fantastic settings to observe North Carolina's avian wonders. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of bird watching as you appreciate the flight, plumage, and songs of these remarkable creatures.
During your Holden Beach vacation, seize the opportunity to engage with the rich birdlife of North Carolina. Enjoy the marvels of nature and create lasting memories as you explore the diverse and enchanting avian population that graces our coastal paradise.
Nesting Shorebirds
Everyone knows we have seagulls here in Holden Beach, but did you know there are around 36 species that have been reported as seen in North Carolina? Laughing Gulls are most common, but Ring-Billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, and Black-Backed Gulls also live here year round. Sandpipers and Sanderlings can also be spotted along our coast while you’re out fishing or beachcombing.
The shorebird nesting season runs from April through August, which overlaps with the sea turtle nesting season that occurs between May and September. During this period, a variety of shorebirds arrive at the beaches to establish their nests and raise their young. These crucial nesting grounds allow birds to lay their eggs, helping to ensure the continuity of their populations.
HOBBS TIP: Beachgoers should be mindful of nesting areas, respect designated birding zones, and follow any guidelines or regulations put in place to safeguard these vulnerable species during this critical time. As always, please ensure you are accessing the beach only via designated access points, avoiding walking directly through the dunes. Please also note that many species tend to be camouflaged in the sand and can be hard to see - especially the babies.
The Piping Plover is currently in a near threatened status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Rufa Red Knot is threatened. Other coastal bird species that are labeled “special concern” include the American Oystercatcher, American Woodcock, Black Skimmer, Common Tern, Gull-Billed Tern, Least Tern, Roseate Tern, and Wilson’s Plover.
Other commonly spotted coastal birds sometimes seen in the ocean, canals, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding areas include the Anhinga, Blue Heron, Cormorant, Ducks, Geese, Glossy Ibis, Horned Grebe, Pelican, Snowy Egret, Tundra Swan, White Ibis, and Wood Stork. A variety of other bird species spend winter and/or breeding seasons here. Our guests aren’t the only ones who enjoy spending some time with us on Holden Beach!
Nearly all native birds of the United States are protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and many bird species – especially those who frequent Holden Beach – are also protected by the US Endangered Species Act.
Birds of Prey
In addition to the diverse array of coastal shorebirds that share our island, Holden Beach is also home to various birds of prey species. These raptors play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
Birds of prey help regulate populations of smaller animals, acting as natural pest control by preying on rodents, snakes, and other small mammals. Their presence signifies a healthy and robust ecosystem, indicating an abundance of prey species and suitable habitats.
Observing birds of prey in Holden Beach provides visitors and residents with a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close and appreciate their hunting skills and aerial acrobatics. Understanding the importance of birds of prey in the local ecosystem encourages a sense of appreciation and respect for the delicate balance of nature.
Birds of prey you may spot while you are out and about include the Bald Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey, Owl, and Vulture.
Backyard Songbirds
Though you may be more likely to see shorebirds right here on Holden Beach, lovely songbirds are also appreciated. You may even be lucky enough to have one visit the deck of your Holden Beach vacation rental. A fun way to cover a lot of ground in a shorter amount of time is by renting a bike and enjoying some of the bike routes that traverse the island. There are a variety of nature preserves located throughout the county that are home to various beautiful species – some common, some seasonal, and some rare.
Thinking about birding or birdwatching likely brings to mind a pretty Eastern Bluebird or Northern Cardinal. You may see both of these throughout Brunswick County during your Holden Beach vacation, but we also have so many other species, including: the Allen’s Hummingbird, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Bachman's Sparrow, Black-Chinned Hummingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Brown-Headed Nuthatch, Bullock’s Oriole, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Towhee, Great Crested Flycatcher, Henslow's Sparrow, House Finch, Indigo Bunting, Loggerhead Shrike, Mourning Dove, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Painted Bunting, Prothonotary Warbler, Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Saltmarsh Sharp-Tailed Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Swainson's Warbler, Tufted Titmouse, White-Breasted Nuthatch, White-Throated Sparrow, and Yellow-Rumped Warbler.
Exploring Birding Hotspots
Brunswick County is home to eight sites on the North Carolina Birding Trail:
- Bird Island Reserve in Sunset Beach
- Bald Head Island
- Southport Riverwalk
- Boiling Spring Lakes Preserve
- Brunswick Community College
- Green Swamp Preserve
In addition to these great places to go for walking or bike riding while exploring for bird sightings, more beautiful nature preserves are nearby that offer habitat for many bird and wildlife species. While you are enjoying the outdoors, keep an eye out for some of the unique flower and plant species also found in our area!
While exploring Brunswick County, you and your family may also enjoy a visit to the Museum of Coastal Carolina to learn even more about the sea life, wildlife, and, yep - birds - found in the area!
Birding Tips and Etiquette
Because so many of the bird species that call Holden Beach home are protected, threatened, and/or endangered, please be mindful while you are walking, bike riding, and driving around.
Here are a few quick reminders:
- Keep away from posted areas
- Learn to recognize birds and habitats
- Be aware of birds calling loudly nearby, which indicates you are too close to nests or chicks
- Avoid remote stretches of beach or walk below the high tide line
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Do not feed the seagulls or other birds or wildlife
- Take your trash with you
While enjoying all the birdwatching and other adventures Brunswick County has to offer, if you encounter a bird or other animal in distress here are some helpful phone numbers for you:
- Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter: (910) 278-7871
- SkyWatch Bird Rescue: (855) 407-3728
- Holden Beach Police Department: (910) 842-6707
- Carolina Wildlife Center Injured Animal Hotline: (803) 772-3994
- Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: (800) 388-2972
- Carolina Wildlife Rescue: (910) 269-6191
- Coastal Carolina Wildlife Rehab: (910) 612-9127
- NC Wildlife Commission: (800) 662-7137
Learn More About Holden Beach Birds
You may find some interesting guidebooks in one of our local Holden Beach gift shops!
If you’d like to learn even more about birds and other wildlife that share our beautiful island, you may find these websites interesting.
See You Soon!
Beauty abounds on our uniquely pristine beach and the amazing variety of birds will certainly add to it during your next Hobbs Realty vacation.
Take a look at our expansive portfolio of Holden Beach vacation rentals, and call us at (800) 655-3367 so our #Hobbspitality Team can help you find that ideal beach house snuggled among the dunes or on the oceanfront with a front-row seat to the magnificent Atlantic!
We hope to see you soon… at the beach!
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Darcy Geho is a contributing author to this Hobbs Realty blog. She spent 11 years working in the vacation rental industry while she lived on and traveled the North Carolina coast. Like most of our visitors, when Darcy isn’t on Holden Beach, she looks forward to her next visit.