Birdwatching at Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina

Tundra Swan and Canada Goose

In November, we visited the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge to observe the Tundra Swans in their wintering grounds. It seemed by the numbers and behavior, that the swans were just arriving at that time. We made plans to come back and see larger numbers of birds in the midst of their winter stay.

Over this past weekend (January 27), we made that trip back to this shallow lake where Tundra swans and other migrating birds enjoy a milder winter than in their summer homes.

Tundra Swan and Canadian Geese

Our favorite observation spots are along an impoundment road. There are canals on either side of the road with marsh grasses for cover and feeding. Although the number of swans were not any greater in this area than during our November visit, their attitude seemed more relaxed, which allowed closer photography.

Flock of American Coots

It was a real treat to see large numbers of American Coots with their distinctive bobbing head and white beaks. I had recently learned that these birds have green feet and legs. They seem to be shy about showing their feet because any lakeside birds immediately scooted into the water on my approach. At such distances their green legs were just black and green blurs.

Northern Shoveler - Female

Northern Shovelers were also shy about showing their beautiful plumage(male) and hid among the grasses. A large flock of egrets had gathered in the impoundment. A fearless Nutria swam towards us and grazed along and on the canal shoreline.

Tundra Swans gathering in cotton field

As we explored other areas of the lake, more swans were visible feeding in the waters. Small flocks would take to the air to destinations we could only guess at. We were told the water levels were higher than optimum for the swans to reach the underwater grasses, and that many were foraging in nearby fields. We didn't see swans in fields traveling to the lake, but that afternoon, as we traveled west, we witnessed hundreds gathering in a cotton field.

This is a fun place for birdwatching. It is remote so be sure to pack provisions. There's a wonderful visitor's center with a souvenir shop and restrooms plus displays and brochures to help with wildlife identification. On the drive, we made a quick visit to historic Bath, NC, which is famous as a home of Blackbeard the pirate. The town of Belhaven has fast food and groceries. Further west from Mattamuskeet, the Washington waterfront is a nice spot for dinner.

The article on my November visit to Lake Mattamuskeet is here.

My new Lily & Drew mini backpack is big enough to carry my camera with telephoto lens, an extra lens, and my wallet! It's just perfect for those impromptu hikes, and made with quality craftsmanship. It's available in many colors, but mine is a beautiful purple (Go Pirates!). Check it out by clicking the Amazon ad below:

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Tundra Swans Winter at Lake Mattamuskeet NC

I'm happy to watch the Tundra Swans at Mattamuskeet Lake

Driving 4 hours east from my home brings me to a rural 40,000 acre lake. From November through mid-December Tundra Swans arrive by the thousands. This shallow lake and the surrounding Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is one of their wintering locations, and hosts 65,000-75,000 of the majestic white birds.

3 Tundra Swans in Flight with More Swimming Below

Our visit on November 10 allowed us to see hundreds of newly arrived swans. Most were paired up and swimming around greeting each other with soft coo's as if to say "it's so good to be here." Young swans with dirty-white coloring followed their parents around. Many of the birds had heads completely submerged to feed on the aquatic vegetation that will make a big part of their winter diet.

Map Showing Swan Icons

With towns named Swan Quarter and Swansboro, it seems the migration to North Carolina has been going on since colonial times. Our road map had flying swan icons representing refuge areas along the protected coastal areas and lakes of eastern North Carolina.

Tundra Swans Swimming at Lake Mattamuskeet

The swans live and breed in the Arctic and subarctic tundra. That is an area across the northern borders of Canada and Alaska. As winter approaches they make the grueling migration through Canada and the Great Lakes area towards the Atlantic coast. (A range map for the Tundra Swan can be found here.) The young develop at a rapid rate in preparation for migrating with their parents. These birds can fly at an altitude of 5 miles.

The swans are beautiful with long curving necks, black bills, and bright white plumage. Because they share the wetlands with Canada Geese, I could really appreciate their huge size. They're about twice the size of the geese. They feed on aquatic plants in the lake and leftovers in nearby farm fields.

Tree Swallows Perched Along Wetlands

There were many Tree Swallows, Double-crested Cormorants, and Egrets at the lake. The number of Tree Swallows increased as the day progressed. They skimmed the water surfaces to gorge on flying insects. To rest between feedings, they gathered in large groups on bushes at the water's edge.

What birds migrate through your area? The excitement of arriving at a wintering place is amazing to watch, and I encourage you to explore your local migrations. I would love to hear about it.

Update: I went back to Mattamuskeet on January 27, 2018. Click here to see that post.

Hey check out my new Lily & Drew mini backpack. It's big enough to carry my camera with telephoto lens, an extra lens, and my wallet! It's just perfect for those impromptu hikes, and made with quality craftsmanship. It's available in many colors, but mine is a beautiful purple. Check it out by clicking the Amazon ad below:

Amazon Affiliate Advertising on this blog supports my writing. By clicking an ad, you are under no obligation to buy. If you see an advertisement of interest, please click.
Thanks!😊