Bird Island Coastal Reserve

Bird Island Coastal Reserve spans over 1,200 acres along the coast of North Carolina, providing a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species and other coastal wildlife. The reserve features sandy beaches, dunes, mudflats, and salt marshes, which are essential environments for the nesting and feeding of birds. Historically, this area has been preserved to protect its unique ecological value and to ensure the survival of threatened species such as the loggerhead sea turtle. Visitors to Bird Island can engage in bird watching, shelling, and quiet, contemplative hikes across the serene landscape. The undisturbed natural beauty of the island offers a rare glimpse into the coastal ecosystem of the southeastern United States. Unlike many crowded beaches, Bird Island remains peaceful and undeveloped, allowing for uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and a sense of solitude. The reserve is a designated North Carolina Natural Heritage Area, underscoring its importance both environmentally and as a site of scientific study.