Features
Ducks Unlimited Fishing Derby
Every year in September Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and Ducks Unlimited put on a fishing event that is fun for the whole family.
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Open Roads Days
"Open Roads Days" events are held throughout the year to provide opportunities to fish and observe wildlife.
2017 Mackay Island Calendar of Events
Wings Over Water
Wings Over Water occurs every year in the fall and offers an assortment of ways to experience the wildness and uniqueness of the area.
Wings Over Water
Winter's Rest
The monarchs that originated in the Midwest and Eastern U.S. migrate to Mexico. In winter month they can be found on one of 12 mountains.
Winter Roosts
Take a Sneak Peek
There's nothing like experiencing this refuge in person, but take a sneak peek to give you a hint of what's in store for you here!
Virtual Tour of Mackay IslandAbout the Complex
Includes Alligator River, Pea Island, Pocosin Lakes, Mackay Island, Currituck, and Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuges.
Mackay Island is managed as part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuges Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Featured Wildlife
American black ducks migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds in eastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February.
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Snow geese migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds on the tundra in northeastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February. They reside in the moist soil units and marshes on the refuge and in the Bay and River surrounding the refuge.
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Birders flock to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in search of the secretive King Rail. This bird is elusive and prefers very specific wetlands habitat.
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Page Photo Credits — King Rail by Jeff Lewis
Last Updated: Oct 17, 2016