Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 and features an extensive, relatively undisturbed coastal marsh, along with pocosin and woodland habitat. The marsh and surrounding waters provide wintering habitat for thousands of ducks and nesting habitat for colonial waterbirds and secretive marshbirds. The brackish marsh is home to North Carolina’s largest population of eastern black rail (threatened) as well as the rare McGillivray’s seaside sparrow.

Visit Us

The refuge offers numerous hiking, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. The refuge’s marshes are alive with waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, wading birds, marsh birds, mink, otter, and other wildlife species; the sounds of songbirds, wood ducks, and deer echo in the forests. There are two public boat ramps with launching and parking facilities. The refuge’s firebreaks and access roads are used by the public for hiking, biking, and bird watching. Visitors may (carefully) pull off on the side of NC Highway 12 to view wildlife.

 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Bald eagle up close with wing raised

      A large raptor, the bald eagle has a wingspread of about seven feet. Adults have a dark brown body and wings, white head and tail, and a yellow beak. Juveniles are mostly brown with white mottling on the body, tail, and undersides of wings. Adult plumage usually is obtained by the sixth year. In...

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