Coast

Conserving North Carolina's Coasts

Photo: Lindsay Addison

The Audubon North Carolina Coast Islands and Sanctuaries Program manages and protects 40% of North Carolina's nesting coastal waterbirds and contributes to science that protects both breeding and non-breeding birds in the state year-round. This long-term commitment to these sites, and the partnerships with agencies and other organizations that are created and sustained by that work, are the foundation of our leadership role in coastal bird conservation in North Carolina.

The sanctuary program’s ongoing mission is to manage, monitor, and protect our sites using best practices and support partners in doing the same; provide meaningful data to agencies and policymakers; and lead and support research that generates new knowledge about coastal birds and the habitats they depend on. This work connects all of our other coast-related work: policy, planning, and advocacy for the sites and resources coastal birds need to face an uncertain climate future, and education and outreach that engages Audubon’s network and inspires individuals to support coastal conservation.

Sharing Our Ocean & Shores
Coast

Sharing Our Ocean & Shores

Protecting coastal habitats for generations to come.

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Coast Islands and Sanctuary Program
Coast

Coast Islands and Sanctuary Program

For more than 25 years, Audubon’s Coastal Island Sanctuary Program has been a model for conservation along the Atlantic Flyway.

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Coastal Birds: Your Top Questions, Answered
Coast

Coastal Birds: Your Top Questions, Answered

We hope these FAQs on coastal birds will help you find the birds you most wish to see, better support birds during nesting and migration season, and more!

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Birds You Can Help Right Now

American Oystercatcher

Latin:  Haematopus palliatus

Illustration for American Oystercatcher

Least Tern

Latin:  Sternula antillarum

Illustration for Least Tern

Brown Pelican

Latin:  Pelecanus occidentalis

Illustration for Brown Pelican

Piping Plover

Latin:  Charadrius melodus

Illustration for Piping Plover

Great Egret

Latin:  Ardea alba

Illustration for Great Egret

Laughing Gull

Latin:  Leucophaeus atricilla

Illustration for Laughing Gull

Snowy Egret

Latin:  Egretta thula

Illustration for Snowy Egret

Black Skimmer

Latin:  Rynchops niger

Illustration for Black Skimmer

Latest Coast Posts

Birds Tell Us About Water Quality in the Cape Fear River
Coast

Birds Tell Us About Water Quality in the Cape Fear River

UNC Wilmington graduate student Anna Zarn is studying American Oystercatcher eggshells and chick feathers to better understand toxic-metal contamination in the Lower Cape Fear River post-Florence.

Updates From Our Coast: After the Storm
News

Updates From Our Coast: After the Storm

Here in North Carolina, we continue to feel and see the effects of Hurricane Florence on our coast. We are grateful that all our staff are safe, yet aware that the path forward will be challenging. Stay up-to-date here.

Four Ways to Protect North Carolina after Hurricane Florence
Conservation

Four Ways to Protect North Carolina after Hurricane Florence

While we are still learning the full extent of the devastation that Florence brought, we do know one thing – it is time to change the way we design and live in our coastal communities.

Does egg color influence nesting success?
Coast

Does egg color influence nesting success?

A UNC-Wilmington undergraduate conducts honors thesis research on Least Tern egg patterning as it relates to thermal biology.

Sea Turtles Are Hatching on Lea-Hutaff Island
News

Sea Turtles Are Hatching on Lea-Hutaff Island

Hatchlings are making their way to the ocean from 18 sea turtle nests

How Beach Heat Affects Birds
Coast

How Beach Heat Affects Birds

The warming of the planet may have severe implications for wildlife. Thermal mapping can help us predict what may happen to beach birds and determine how we can protect them in the future.

Midseason Coastal Nesting Update
Coast

Midsummer Beach Nesting Update

The year began with a cold spring, but has so far been generally successful for terns, oystercatchers and skimmers thanks to the absence of major storms or human distubance events.

Priority Bird Profile: Black Skimmer
Coast

Priority Bird Profile: Black Skimmer

The skimmer is also one of the only birds to have a lower mandible that is longer than its upper mandible. This enables the skimming behavior that earned them their name.

Priority Bird Profile: Great Egret
Coast

Priority Bird Profile: Great Egret

The symbol of the National Audubon Society, Great Egrets were nearly wiped out by plume hunters in the United States during the late 1800s. Learn where to find them, how to help them, and more in this Priority Bird Profile.

Priority Bird Profile: White Ibis
Coast

Priority Bird Profile: White Ibis

White Ibis are abundant in North Carolina, but it’s important to maintain safe, high quality nesting sites and other habitats to ensure their populations remain healthy. Learn where to find them, how to help them, and more in this Priority Bird Profile: White Ibis.

How you can help, right now