Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.
On the eastern coast in the northern part of the state, this large refuge has a diversity of habitat types including high and low pocosin, bogs, fresh and brackish water marshes, hardwood swamps, and Atlantic white cedar swamps. It provides valuable habitat for concentrations of ducks, geese, and swans, wading birds, shorebirds, and raptors. During migration, large numbers of songbirds pass through. Considered among the last remaining strongholds for black bear in eastern North Carolina and on the mid-Atlantic Coast, the refuge also serves as the core area for re-establishing the red wolf back into the wild.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
This park stretches over 70 miles of barrier islands and over 400 species of birds have been sighted here. Some of these birds can be seen year round while many spend only summer or winter seasons here. Thousands of shorebirds pass by during spring and fall migrations. Spring and fall are excellent times to view shorebirds, hawks and songbirds. Ducks and geese are common during winter months.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Good birding spots here include the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee. More than 20 warblers are considered to breed within the park, and nearly 30 members of the finch family have been reported here and over 230 bird species have been recorded in the park, located on the western border of the state. Check with the rangers at the visitor centers if looking for specific birds. They are always very helpful.
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
An hour east of Charlotte near Wadesboro, this refuge was established to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl, and large numbers of ducks and geese visit it annually. It also attracts songbirds in migration and over 180 species have been recorded there.
Ribbon Walk Urban Forest.
This is one of the newest county nature preserves, with over 200 acres of natural woodlands that lies largely untouched and unnoticed, just minutes away from Charlotte center city, making it a really good birdwatching site. Although a bird list for this property has only just been started, the variety of habitats indicates the list will become substantial, as fall migration in particular attracts many species to this wood. Also in Charlotte is the Evergreen Nature Preserve. This natural area of approximately 80 acres of mixed hardwoods, pines and open areas, located three miles from downtown Charlotte, provides shelter and feeding area for a wide variety of birds, especially during spring and fall migration.