Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 5800 acres of protected land stretching for a distance of 13 miles north to south along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Located just south of Nags Head; the refuge is 1 in a complex of refuges that are overseen by a single management plan and staff. The Refuge was established in 1937 and sits just south of the Oregon Inlet. To the north of the inlet is Bodie Island. Hatteras Island is positioned to the south of Pea Island.
About 2.5 million people visit annually. Pea Island is commonly known as a major attraction for bird watchers and is located along the scenic Atlantic Flyway. Geese, ducks, and raptors are very common. But there are also seasonal migratory birds that appear. In addition to the many birds there are about 24 species of mammals as well as numerous reptile and amphibian species. Many threatened or endangered species also reside here including the Red Wolf, Roseate Tern, and 5 species of Sea Turtle. Bird watching isn't the only attraction. You can walk across NC Highway 12 to the Atlantic Ocean, capture numerous beautiful natural settings with your camera, canoe, kayak, hike, etc.
We visited in very late October and found the refuge to be very active with numerous migratory birds, ducks, and geese. It is also a great location to get some pictures if you are into that like I am. They have a small but really nice visitor center on site that is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. If you love wildlife and awesome scenery Pea Island is worth the time and effort to visit. If you vacation in the Outer Banks like we do it should be a no brainer to stop by!