{"id":33582,"date":"2026-06-22T15:05:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T19:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?p=33582"},"modified":"2026-07-07T09:47:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T13:47:34","slug":"summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/","title":{"rendered":"Birding on the Outer Banks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">                                                                                           .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1579x1065\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg\" alt=\"image: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.\" class=\"wp-image-33585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1536x1036.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg 1579w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. <em>Credit: Roger Mulligan\/<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\">CC-BY-2.0 generic<\/a><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a short drive from the beaches and buzzing vacation spots of the Outer Banks lies one of the East Coast\u2019s most remarkable natural refuges for birds and wildlife: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Owned and managed by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.org\/en-us\/get-involved\/how-to-help\/places-we-protect\/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve\/?en_txn1=bl.cgs.eg.x.snd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Nature Conservancy<\/a>, this 1,200-plus-acre maritime forest protects one of the largest remaining tracts of this rare coastal habitat along the Atlantic seaboard, making it an ideal destination for birding year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes Nags Head Woods so special for birds is its maritime forest ecosystem, a forest shaped by salt-laden air, sandy soils, and the constantly shifting boundary between land, sound, and sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These conditions create a rich mosaic of habitats, from shady oak and hickory canopies to brackish marshes, freshwater ponds, interdunal swales, and dense understory thickets. For birds, this diversity means food, shelter, and flexibility, especially along a busy migration corridor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1797x1256\" data-zoom=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"716\" src=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-1024x716.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-1024x716.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-768x537.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-1536x1074.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube.jpg 1797w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peregrine falcon, among several species visible from Nags Head Woods Preserve during Fall migration. <em>Credit: Gkstraube\/<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-SA-4.0<\/a><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Year-Round Birding Destination<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 150 bird species have been documented at Nags Head Woods, with over 50 species nesting on the preserve. Forest songbirds, marsh specialists, and migratory species all find what they need here, making every season rewarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring and fall bring waves of migrants moving along the coast, while summer offers breeding activity and winter delivers quieter walks punctuated by woodpeckers, waterfowl, and raptors. Whether you\u2019re scanning for warblers in the canopy or listening for sparrows in the reeds, there\u2019s always something happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Summer (June\u2013August):<\/strong>&nbsp;During summer, many birds settle in to nest. Woodpeckers \u2014 pileated, red-bellied, and downy \u2014 are active year-round but particularly noticeable now. You may also encounter breeding songbirds like eastern towhees, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and yellow-billed cuckoos. Wetland edges and ponds can host wood ducks, herons, and egrets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fall (September\u2013November):<\/strong>&nbsp;Fall migration offers another pulse of diversity as birds move south. Mixed-species flocks often pass through the woods, and raptors such as broad-winged hawks and peregrine falcons may be seen overhead. Sparrows and other skulking species become more apparent along marsh edges and dense understory as foliage thins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Winter (December\u2013February):<\/strong>&nbsp;Winter birding is calmer but no less rewarding. The absence of leaves makes it easier to spot birds like brown-headed nuthatches, kinglets, and wrens as they forage through trunks and branches. Waterfowl and wading birds linger around ponds and marshes, and sharp-eyed visitors may catch sight of a soaring bald eagle or a hunting red-shouldered hawk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spring (March\u2013May):<\/strong>&nbsp;Spring brings a flush of songbirds moving north along the coast. Listen and look for colorful warblers flitting through the canopy, including prothonotary, yellow-throated, and black-and-white warblers. Summer tanagers, vireos, and thrushes are also common during this time, and early mornings can be especially lively with song echoing through the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trails That Invite Exploration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter the season, Nags Head Woods offers a reminder that maritime forests are dynamic, living systems, places where birds find refuge, resources, and safe passage along one of the Atlantic Coast\u2019s most important migration routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Birding at Nags Head Woods unfolds along eight self-guided trails that wind through ridgelines, wetlands, and forest interiors. Some loops are short and family-friendly, perfect for a relaxed morning walk, while others invite longer hikes and deeper immersion into the preserve\u2019s varied habitats. A fully ADA-accessible trail provides smooth access to ponds and overlooks, offering excellent birding opportunities for visitors of all abilities especially for spotting herons, ducks, and other wetland species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plan Your Visit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early mornings are often the most active times for birds, particularly during migration. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and don\u2019t forget water and insect repellent in warmer months. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, and the quiet, shaded trails offer a refreshing contrast to the nearby beach scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Birding at Nags Head Woods is a chance to experience a quieter, wilder side of the Outer Banks, one where centuries-old trees shelter migrating songbirds, salt marsh sparrows chatter from the reeds, and raptors patrol the edge where forest meets sky. For birders and nature lovers alike, this preserve is a reminder that some of the most vibrant wildlife experiences aren\u2019t found on the shoreline, but just beyond it, waiting in the woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lauren D. Pharr<\/strong> is an avian behavioral ecologist whose interests focus on the evolution and behavior of cooperative breeding birds. She also has served as a science communicator for North Carolina Sea Grant, and her numerous stories for <em>Coastwatch<\/em> include the award-winning &#8220;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wings-of-change\/\" id=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wings-of-change\/\">Wings of Change<\/a><\/strong>.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reprinted courtesy of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.nature.org\/2026\/04\/08\/birding-the-outer-banks-hidden-gem-nags-head-woods-preserve\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cool Green Science: Stories of the Nature Conservancy<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"is-text wp-block-ncst-buttons\">\n    \n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-button\">\n      <a\n        class=\"ncst-block__button-link btn\"\n        href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026\"\n        data-ncst-lightbox=\"false\"\n         target=\"_blank\"          rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"       >\n                  <span class=\"text\">from SUMMER 2026<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"><svg class=\"wolficon wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" role=\"img\"  aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\">\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n              <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  \n\n  <\/div>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header {\"block\":\"ncst\/default-post-header\"} -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/default-post-header {\"subtitle\":\"\\u003cstrong\\u003eA Hidden Gem: Nags Head Woods Preserve\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>                                                                                           .<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":33585,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg\" alt=\"image: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.\" class=\"wp-image-33585\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. <em>Credit: Roger Mulligan\/<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\">CC-BY-2.0 generic<\/a><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Just a short drive from the beaches and buzzing vacation spots of the Outer Banks lies one of the East Coast\u2019s most remarkable natural refuges for birds and wildlife: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Owned and managed by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.org\/en-us\/get-involved\/how-to-help\/places-we-protect\/nags-head-woods-ecological-preserve\/?en_txn1=bl.cgs.eg.x.snd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Nature Conservancy<\/a>, this 1,200-plus-acre maritime forest protects one of the largest remaining tracts of this rare coastal habitat along the Atlantic seaboard, making it an ideal destination for birding year-round.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What makes Nags Head Woods so special for birds is its maritime forest ecosystem, a forest shaped by salt-laden air, sandy soils, and the constantly shifting boundary between land, sound, and sea.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These conditions create a rich mosaic of habitats, from shady oak and hickory canopies to brackish marshes, freshwater ponds, interdunal swales, and dense understory thickets. For birds, this diversity means food, shelter, and flexibility, especially along a busy migration corridor.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":33659,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Peregrine_Falcon_Bird_of_Prey-CC-BY-SA-4.0-Gkstraube-1024x716.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33659\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peregrine falcon, among several species visible from Nags Head Woods Preserve during Fall migration. <em>Credit: Gkstraube\/<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" id=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-SA-4.0<\/a><\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"levelOptions\":[2,3,4,5,6]} -->\n<h4>A Year-Round Birding Destination<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>More than 150 bird species have been documented at Nags Head Woods, with over 50 species nesting on the preserve. Forest songbirds, marsh specialists, and migratory species all find what they need here, making every season rewarding. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Spring and fall bring waves of migrants moving along the coast, while summer offers breeding activity and winter delivers quieter walks punctuated by woodpeckers, waterfowl, and raptors. Whether you\u2019re scanning for warblers in the canopy or listening for sparrows in the reeds, there\u2019s always something happening.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Summer (June\u2013August):<\/strong>&nbsp;During summer, many birds settle in to nest. Woodpeckers \u2014 pileated, red-bellied, and downy \u2014 are active year-round but particularly noticeable now. You may also encounter breeding songbirds like eastern towhees, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and yellow-billed cuckoos. Wetland edges and ponds can host wood ducks, herons, and egrets.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Fall (September\u2013November):<\/strong>&nbsp;Fall migration offers another pulse of diversity as birds move south. Mixed-species flocks often pass through the woods, and raptors such as broad-winged hawks and peregrine falcons may be seen overhead. Sparrows and other skulking species become more apparent along marsh edges and dense understory as foliage thins.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Winter (December\u2013February):<\/strong>&nbsp;Winter birding is calmer but no less rewarding. The absence of leaves makes it easier to spot birds like brown-headed nuthatches, kinglets, and wrens as they forage through trunks and branches. Waterfowl and wading birds linger around ponds and marshes, and sharp-eyed visitors may catch sight of a soaring bald eagle or a hunting red-shouldered hawk.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Spring (March\u2013May):<\/strong>&nbsp;Spring brings a flush of songbirds moving north along the coast. Listen and look for colorful warblers flitting through the canopy, including prothonotary, yellow-throated, and black-and-white warblers. Summer tanagers, vireos, and thrushes are also common during this time, and early mornings can be especially lively with song echoing through the forest.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"levelOptions\":[2,3,4,5,6]} -->\n<h4>Trails That Invite Exploration<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>No matter the season, Nags Head Woods offers a reminder that maritime forests are dynamic, living systems, places where birds find refuge, resources, and safe passage along one of the Atlantic Coast\u2019s most important migration routes.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Birding at Nags Head Woods unfolds along eight self-guided trails that wind through ridgelines, wetlands, and forest interiors. Some loops are short and family-friendly, perfect for a relaxed morning walk, while others invite longer hikes and deeper immersion into the preserve\u2019s varied habitats. A fully ADA-accessible trail provides smooth access to ponds and overlooks, offering excellent birding opportunities for visitors of all abilities especially for spotting herons, ducks, and other wetland species.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4,\"levelOptions\":[2,3,4,5,6]} -->\n<h4>Plan Your Visit<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Early mornings are often the most active times for birds, particularly during migration. Bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and don\u2019t forget water and insect repellent in warmer months. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, and the quiet, shaded trails offer a refreshing contrast to the nearby beach scene.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Birding at Nags Head Woods is a chance to experience a quieter, wilder side of the Outer Banks, one where centuries-old trees shelter migrating songbirds, salt marsh sparrows chatter from the reeds, and raptors patrol the edge where forest meets sky. For birders and nature lovers alike, this preserve is a reminder that some of the most vibrant wildlife experiences aren\u2019t found on the shoreline, but just beyond it, waiting in the woods.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Lauren D. Pharr<\/strong> is an avian behavioral ecologist whose interests focus on the evolution and behavior of cooperative breeding birds. She also has served as a science communicator for North Carolina Sea Grant, and her numerous stories for <em>Coastwatch<\/em> include the award-winning \"<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wings-of-change\/\" id=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wings-of-change\/\">Wings of Change<\/a><\/strong>.\"<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Reprinted courtesy of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.nature.org\/2026\/04\/08\/birding-the-outer-banks-hidden-gem-nags-head-woods-preserve\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cool Green Science: Stories of the Nature Conservancy<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/buttons -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/button {\"url\":\"https%3A%2F%2Fncseagrant.ncsu.edu%2Fcoastwatch%2Fsummer-2026\",\"text\":\"from SUMMER 2026\",\"linkTarget\":\"_blank\",\"rel\":\"noreferrer noopener\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/buttons -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just a short drive from the beaches and buzzing vacation spots of the Outer Banks lies one of the East Coast\u2019s most remarkable natural refuges for birds and wildlife: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"Lauren D. Pharr","ncst_show_custom_author":true,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"<strong>A Hidden Gem: Nags Head Woods Preserve<\/strong>\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_ncst_magazine_issue":[],"class_list":["post-33582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":{"ncst_posts_meta_modified_date":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Just a short drive from the beaches and buzzing vacation spots of the Outer Banks lies one of the East Coast\u2019s most remarkable natural refuges for birds and wildlife: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Coastwatch\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1579\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1065\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Dave Shaw\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Dave Shaw\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Dave Shaw\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\"},\"headline\":\"Birding on the Outer Banks\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":777,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/\",\"name\":\"Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/13\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg\",\"width\":1579,\"height\":1065,\"caption\":\"image: Nags Head Woods Preserve.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/\",\"name\":\"Coastwatch\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1\",\"name\":\"Dave Shaw\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Dave Shaw\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\\\/coastwatch\\\/author\\\/dmshaw\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch","og_description":"Just a short drive from the beaches and buzzing vacation spots of the Outer Banks lies one of the East Coast\u2019s most remarkable natural refuges for birds and wildlife: Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve.","og_url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/","og_site_name":"Coastwatch","article_published_time":"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1579,"height":1065,"url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Dave Shaw","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Dave Shaw","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/"},"author":{"name":"Dave Shaw","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1"},"headline":"Birding on the Outer Banks","datePublished":"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/"},"wordCount":777,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/","name":"Birding on the Outer Banks - Coastwatch","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196-1024x691.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-22T19:05:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-07T13:47:34+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2026-birding-on-the-outer-banks\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2026\/06\/Nags_Head_Woods_Preserve-Roger-Mulligan-CC-Atribution-2.0-generic-3917-2_37301670196.jpg","width":1579,"height":1065,"caption":"image: Nags Head Woods Preserve."},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#website","url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/","name":"Coastwatch","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/#\/schema\/person\/9462183c95cb42509aed4d3346e43fe1","name":"Dave Shaw","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f20f417633247552979d58a1f7d800afbee48b50040f8c2516333377b8ca9040?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Dave Shaw"},"url":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/author\/dmshaw\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33582","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33582"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33582\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34058,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33582\/revisions\/34058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33582"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33582"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33582"},{"taxonomy":"_ncst_magazine_issue","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/_ncst_magazine_issue?post=33582"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}