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

Audubon Awarded Grants for Habitat Restoration at Pine Island Sanctuary, Cape Fear River
Media Releases

Audubon Awarded Grants for Habitat Restoration at Pine Island Sanctuary, Cape Fear River

— $400K from Land and Water Fund will support projects to revive a degraded water system and combat erosion.
Coastal Nesting Recap: First for Skimmers, Record Volunteering, Crab Research & More
Coast

Coastal Nesting Recap: First for Skimmers, Record Volunteering, Crab Research & More

Despite troubles with storms and predation, birds at Audubon’s coastal nesting sanctuaries fare well.

New Tracking Tower Reveals 2,000-mile Shorebird Connection
News

New Tracking Tower Reveals 2,000-mile Shorebird Connection

With migration in full swing, three radio-tagged dowitchers make the same journey to Audubon sanctuary.

After Major Restoration Project, Cape Fear River Gets First Skimmer Nest in a Decade
Coast

After Major Restoration Project, Cape Fear River Gets First Skimmer Nest in a Decade

Coastal waterbirds take full advantage of new habitat after Audubon-Army Corps Project.

New Tower Connects NC Barrier Island to Global Bird Tracking Network
Media Releases

New Tower Connects NC Barrier Island to Global Bird Tracking Network

— Cape Fear Audubon, Audubon North Carolina and UNC Wilmington partner to install Motus tower at Lea Island.
Meet the New Coastal Nesting Seasonal Staff
Coast

Meet the New Coastal Nesting Seasonal Staff

We're excited to have Cissie Brooks and Evan Buckland on the Audubon team this spring and summer.

How Controlled Burns Bring Life to the Pine Island Marshes
Coast

How Controlled Burns Bring Life to the Pine Island Marshes

The end of prescribed fire season means the marshes are ready to grow back healthier for birds.

Audubon, Army Corps Restore Critical Bird Nesting Island on the Cape Fear River
Media Releases

Audubon, Army Corps Restore Critical Bird Nesting Island on the Cape Fear River

Dredged sand will protect one of North Carolina’s few Royal Tern colonies from erosion, rising seas.

Winter Coastal Surveys Reveal New Shorebird Hotspot and Long-distance Visitors
Coast

Winter Coastal Surveys Reveal New Shorebird Hotspot and Long-distance Visitors

Natural inlets and barrier islands provide critical stopover and wintering habitat for shorebirds, gulls, and more.

Audubon and Coalition Announce Conservation Plan for Currituck Marshes
Coast

Audubon and Coalition Announce Conservation Plan for Currituck Marshes

— Marsh migration and restoration will be key as Currituck region adapts to rapid coastal change.

How you can help, right now