Date: 1/14/26 8:23 am From: Erik Thomas (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: NC Tundra Swans
The swans are still around in February. They migrate north in early
March. Lake Mattamuskeet is usually where you can see the most swans,
although many of them fly off during the day to feed in nearby farmers'
fields. Pea Island NWR and Pocosin Lakes NWR are also reliable places to
find them.
There are a couple of places adjacent to Lk. Mattamuskeet where you can
stay. Carawan's Motel is on the south side of the lake, and the Hyde-Out
Motel is located on the north side of the lake. They both cater to hunters
and aren't fancy, but they're clean. There's also a motel a few miles away
in Engelhard and a couple of bed-and-breakfasts in nearby Swan Quarter.
Erik Thomas
Raleigh, NC
On Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 11:03 AM kathleen rogers <carolinabirds...>
wrote:
> I have never seen the thousands of Tundra Swans at the NC coast in person.
> Only pics. Am hoping to go. But my calendar is only open for two weekends
> in Feb--1st and 3rd weekends. No time in Jan.
>
>
>
> Is that too late to try to go see them before they migrate if I go in Feb?
>
>
>
> I live in Chapel Hill, would like to go to the nearest, scenic area so see
> them to reduce travel time as much as possible. And then, find a good
> place, cheapy, but not gross, to stay overnight, somewhat, 'relatively'
> close to the site I can visit the swans.
>
>
>
> Can you suggest the best 'guaranteed' areas to see the swans and decent
> hotels 'relatively' nearby? I don't expect anuything to be close and
> nearby. Maybe even a campground, if it is not too cold.
>
> Kathleen
>
>
>
