Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary
Corolla, NC
Be sure to check out the upcoming Wings Over Water Festival.
Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary is a 6000 acre piece of land situated on Currituck Sound just north of Duck in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is one of the few tracts of undisturbed land between Corolla and Nags Head, a stretch of over 30 miles. The property stretches from the ocean to the sound and is one of the few remaining examples of the diverse flora and fauna of the northern Outer Banks. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded from the property as well as 7 amphibians, 17 reptiles, and 19 mammals.
Specialty Species:
Ducks (Fall, Winter)
Geese (Fall, Winter)
Swans (Fall, Winter)
Where to Bird:
- Nature Trail
The best way to bird this property is by hiking the 2.5 mile nature trail that begins behind the Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Center. There are two raised viewing platforms overlooking Currituck Sound located along the trail.
Hours:
Dawn to Dusk but the gates to the racquet and fitness center are normally locked at 5pm.
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
The trail is not handicap accessible.
Trails:
This property has a 2.5 mile self-guided nature trail with 2 raised viewing platforms that overlook the sound.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
Lenght of Visit:
2-3 Hours
Map:
- None Available
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of Albacore Street and NC-12 in Corolla, take NC-12 south. After 4.9 miles, turn right onto Audubon Drive (There is a Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Center sign here). Take and immediate left and follow this road to the parking lot. Park here and walk around the building to the start of the trail.
From the South: From the intersection of US-158/N Croatan Highway and NC-12, go north on NC-12. After 12.3 miles, turn left onto Audubon Drive (There is a Pine Island Racquet and Fitness Center sign here). Take and immediate left and follow this road to the parking lot. Park here and walk around the building to the start of the trail.
Address:
None Available
Address of the Racquet and Fitness Center where parking is located:
290 Audubon* Drive
Corolla, NC
*Online Mapping programs mistakenly have the street spelled Audobon.
Nearby Birding:
Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve
Currituck Heritage Park