Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, the Outer Banks serve as critical stopover points for migrating birds. Atlantic Realty not only has a prime selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals, but has ties to a family that has greatly contributed to protecting the homes of the birds of the Outer Banks. Find the best place to stay in the Outer Banks tailored to your personal taste and needs, and then keep reading to learn more about this birdwatching paradise!
Earl Slick, founder of Turnpike Properties (which currently owns Atlantic Realty), contributed significantly to conserving the home of the birds of the Outer Banks. In the 1970s, he and his family donated over 3,000 acres of marshland to the National Audubon Society, helping establish the Pine Island Sanctuary. Thanks to Earl Slick’s foresight and generosity, people from near and far can still experience the magic of waterfowl rising at dawn, undisturbed, over the Currituck Sound.
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge: Visit the home of over 370 bird species, including snow geese, upland sandpipers, tundra swans, northern pintails, yellow-billed cuckoos, and much more!
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge was established in 1984 to protect rare pocosin wetlands and the wildlife that calls this gorgeous area home. Birdwatchers can see various wintering waterfowl and migratory species and might also catch a glimpse of the endangered red wolf.
- Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve: Venture to the northernmost site of the N.C. Coastal Reserve to watch for birds of the Outer Banks. Watch for tundra swans, gadwalls, clapper rails, herons, and more!
- Audubon Sanctuary in Pine Island: Discover 2,600 acres of protected maritime forest and marsh by hiking the scenic 3-mile nature trail, featuring observation platforms with views of Currituck Sound. You could also join a guided kayak trip from the Sanctuary dock for a unique perspective.
- Currituck National Wildlife Refuge: With minimal development and no paved roads, it’s best explored by foot, kayak, or guided 4WD tour. Look for great blue herons, ibises, egrets, ospreys, and the threatened piping plover.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Look for terns and skimmers in groups. Meanwhile, solitary nesters like the American oystercatcher and the threatened piping plover guard their quiet beach areas. With patience and observation, visitors can enjoy watching these majestic birds of the Outer Banks!
- Jockey's Ridge State Park: Featuring the tallest natural sand dune system on the East Coast, and with dunes reaching up to 80 feet, the park offers great views for spotting raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds.
- Nags Head Woods Preserve: Explore one of the East Coast's largest remaining maritime forests that is home to over 150 bird species, including prothonotary warblers and summer tanagers.
