Date: 1/15/26 8:19 am From: Betsy Kane (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: NC Tundra Swans
You don't have to go all the way to the coast. Since it's closer to you, I
would not go as far as Mattamuskeet, but instead go to Pocosin Lakes NWR
(south entrance) and drive north along Pat's Rd to see the swans easily in
the fields while they forage. Then go to "the corner" about an hour before
sunset to see them begin to fly over in quantities to where they rest at
night on Pungo Lake (which is not really visible) -- as well as Snow Geese,
much higher but also in large quantities.
You can stay in "Little Washington" and it's about 40 minutes to the NWR
entrance (just a little past Pantego, NC) from there. Stay at a chain
hotel in Washington or one of the b&bs such as the Pigs Fly Inn which is
downtown. Washington has a very nice downtown with waterfront walkway and
dining options.
Folks on the listserv can provide this year's directions to "the corner" --
I haven't been out yet this year to know which of the dirt roads are in
best condition and which are possibly closed to travel -- it varies from
year to year depending on what parts of S Lake Rd and W Lake Rd are dry or
closed.
Along Pat's Rd and "the corner" you can also see the usual flock of
Sandhill Cranes, and sometimes bear cubs sleeping way up in the pine trees
along the road. You can also go to the north end of Pat's Rd to see black
bears in the field at that end.
I typically drive over in the early afternoon, spend time driving slowly up
Pat's Rd and looking at the fields and woods and ditches and impoundments
on both sides, then proceed to "the corner" around 4ish so as to be there
for the swans flying over toward the end of the day. There is also a 1/4
mile wildlife trail north to the lake from S Lake Rd and have seen otter
family, woodcock, wood ducks near or on that trail.
There is no telling what exactly you will see with this itinerary but you
WILL see Tundra Swans and you WILL see something else to remember be it
otters, bears, eagles, or something else entirely.
Betsy Kane
Washington, 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
>
>
>
