North Carolina: From the Swamp to the Gulf Stream

Wilson's Storm-Petrel © Michael O'Brien

Exciting birding along the southern coast and forest, highlighted by two Gulf Stream pelagic trips.

Coastal North Carolina boasts a marvelous array of breeding species in its hardwood swamps, pine forests, salt marshes, and barrier beaches. This tour will sample all these habitats and also spend two days exploring North Carolina’s rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the Wilmington area, we will search for such southeastern specialties as Wilson’s Plover, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Swainson’s and Prothonotary warblers, Summer Tanager, Bachman’s Sparrow, and Painted Bunting. An optional evening trip may afford a chance to see Chuck-will’s-widow and perhaps other night birds.

Along the Outer Banks we should see a wide variety of herons and shorebirds, as well as such coastal specialties as Clapper Rail, Sandwich and Gull-billed terns, Seaside Sparrow, and Boat-tailed Grackle. Two offshore pelagic trips may yield Black-capped Petrel; Cory’s, Great, and Audubon’s shearwaters; Wilson’s, Leach’s, and Band-rumped storm-petrels; Bridled Tern; and Pomarine Jaeger. A host of rare species, such as Trindade, Fea’s, and Bermuda petrels, and White-tailed Tropicbird are also possible, as are dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and other marine life.

Comfortable lodging and excellent local seafood; two pelagic trips; easy terrain; warm weather.

White-tailed Tropicbird © Michael O'Brien