One of the best places to go birding in the east coast of North Carolina is the Pocasin Lakes NWR.
Especially in the wintertime during the Tundra Swan migration.
Each November, these majestic birds arrive by the thousands. Their huge flocks congregate in the Pungo Lake area to feed on the spilled grain in the vast fields which surround the lake.

They are most easily viewed at close range paddling around in the flooded out corn fields and canals which dot the swampy areas surrounding the lake itself.
They will be here through mid February to early March before they head back up north to their breeding grounds in the Arctic.
If you’ve never witnessed this great migration, there is still plenty of time to go see them!

By the way, in addition to Tundra Swans, there are a ton of opportunities to view other wildlife too!
The Pungo lake area is well known as hosting a very large population of black bears. You can also see a wide variety of raptor species such as Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, American Kestrels and more.

On top of that, there are even families of river Otters swimming around in the canals.
Truly, the Pungo Unit of Pocosin Lakes NWR is the crown gem of refuges here in N.C.

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc
Canon 5Ds