We hear that there were not a lot of ducks on the sound this year. Speculation is that the northern winter, coming late and slowly, didn't drive them south as hard as normal. They seem to have gotten as far as the Neuse, and stopped.

Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge was authorized by the Migratory Bird Conservation Act in August 1964, for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for other management purposes, for migratory birds.

The refuge has grown since its beginning and now contains 14,480 acres, approximately 11,000 acres of which are irregularly-flooded, brackish marsh with 3,480 additional acres of pocosin and woodland habitat. The dominant marsh plants include black needlerush, saltmarsh cordgrass, saltmeadow hay, and saltgrass. The woodland areas are dominated by loblolly pine, longleaf and pond pine. Live oak is also abundant on some upland sites. The marsh and surrounding waters provide wintering habitat for thousands of ducks and nesting habitat for colonial waterbirds.

Over 270 species of birds can be observed each year, with waterfowl reaching their peak in December-January. Permanent residents include the green heron, little blue heron, cattle egret, clapper and Virginia rails, marsh hawk, laughing gull, belted kingfisher, and long-billed marsh wren. Many shorebirds and warblers pass through the refuge on their spring and fall migrations.

Park facilities include a boat ramp at the end of Lola Rd.

Other Down East Wildlife Resources Online

The Colonial Waterbirds of North Carolina: Making It On A Wing And A Prayer. North Carolina Audobon Society background and history of waterbird issues

Colonial Waterbirds of North Carolina index with pictures, habitat and biology information.

Abundant, Common and Uncommon Birds: Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina, US Birds are grouped by Latin names, but individual species are identified by common name, with information on monthly abundance throughout the year. The site does include pictures to help with identification, but they are hidden under the "gallery" link.

Bird Checklists of the United States Another site listing the birds of the Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge with information on abundance and nesting.