Wildlife watching
At Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year. Much of the refuge is accessible only by boat, with Bell Island Road and Pier offering land-based wildlife viewing opportunities. In the summertime, listen in the marshes and tree-lines along Bell Island Road for songbirds and rails. In the wintertime, scan for flocks of ducks, gulls, and terns from the end of the Bell Island Pier. Turtles, otters, herons, egrets, and deer may be seen along Bell Island Rd and in the remote marshes and forests of the refuge.
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge Activities
Fishing
Anglers fishing from the Bell Island Pier and from the waters around the refuge may catch a wide variety of fish, including Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, spotted seatrout, Atlantic flounder, red drum, and bluefish. Crabbing is a popular activity during the warmer months.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunters who enjoy the challenge of hunting fast-flying diving ducks have a great public opportunity at Swanquarter NWR. The 6,120-acre hunt area is accessible by boat and open for waterfowl hunting during State seasons. Open-water hunting is not permitted; all boats must touch the marsh.