Date: 1/15/26 10:50 am From: Ron Clark (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Re: NC Tundra Swans
When you go up Pat's Road, after the gravel starts, take the first right
open for vehicles. At the next corner, you should see Swans very close, in
the impoundment. This is also where the Sandhill Cranes have been, up to
three dozen or so.
One warning. The refuge roads are not great so if it has been raining, be
careful. If they get too bad, they will be closed. Do not go around the
sign. I know of some folks who did, even though the roads were driveable.
They each got a $150 fine.
Ron Clark
Mt. Holly NC
On Thu, Jan 15, 2026 at 11:19 AM Betsy Kane <carolinabirds...> wrote:
> 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
>>
>>
>>
