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

The History of Bird Banding, Part II
Coast

The History of Bird Banding, Part II

Bird Banding is an invaluable tool for citizen scientists to help shape our understanding of birds. The modern system scientists use today only began to take shape in the early 1900s! Learn about the history of Bird Banding.

The History of Bird Banding, Part I
Coast

The History of Bird Banding, Part I

The scientific use of banding was furthered by John James Audubon, one of the first to conduct banding experiments in North America. Learn how this practice originated hundreds of years earlier.

Cape Fear River Nesting Update
Coast

Cape Fear River Nesting Update

Many islands dot the Cape Fear River, but just about eight or nine islands host nesting birds. These nesting islands provide a variety of habits from open sand to shrub and tree thickets.

How to Help a Bird Caught in Fishing Line
Coast

How to Help a Bird Caught in Fishing Line

Usually, birds and people fishing get along just fine, but when fishing line and birds intersect, dangerous complications can arise. Luckily, there are ways people can help!

Nesting Update: Lea- Hutaff Island
Coast

Nesting Update: Lea- Hutaff Island

Between Topsail Island to the north and Figure 8 Island to the south, there lies a haven for wildlife: Lea-Hutaff Island providing habitat for nesting birds and sea turtles.

Nesting Update: The South End of Wrightsville Beach, April - May
Coast

Nesting Update: The South End of Wrightsville Beach, April - May

The south end of Wrightsville Beach is an important site for five species of beach-nesting birds.

The South End of Wrightsville Beach – A Vital Bird Habitat
Coast

The South End of Wrightsville Beach – A Vital Bird Habitat

The south end of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. is a favorite among many beach-nesting birds. Each summer, nesting shorebirds arrive to raise the next generation of chicks.

How Banding Supports Bird Conservation Science
Coast

How Banding Supports Bird Conservation Science

Bird banding is a valuable tool in the study and conservation of many bird species. Explore insights gleaned from the observation of banded birds.

Share Your Holiday with Shorebirds
Coast

Share Your Holiday with Shorebirds

While you’re enjoying some fun in the sun, remember, you aren’t the only one using the sand and surf. Share the beach with shorebirds.

Audubon NC Reminds Memorial Day Beachgoers to Share the Beach
News

Audubon NC Reminds Memorial Day Beachgoers to Share the Beach

— Audubon North Carolina has created simple tips everyone can use to share the beach with birds and avoid disrupting them.

How you can help, right now