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Birds & Science
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Audubon North Carolina
Sanctuaries
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Greater Yellow Legs © Walker Golder
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The National Audubon Society's history has always been linked to a passionate concern for birds, other wildlife and their habitats. It was this concern that led to the organization of the nation's first Audubon Society in 1886. Then in 1902, T. Gilbert Pearson organized the Audubon Society of North Carolina, which launched the beginning of wildlife conservation in the state. This tradition of wildlife conservation has long been a key source of Audubon's strength and identity.
The early 1900s was a busy time for the Audubon Society of North Carolina. The Society established wildlife sanctuaries and hired the state's first game wardens. One such warden was N. F. Jennett who patrolled the waters of Pamlico Sound and protected seabird colonies from the relentless guns of market hunters.
Today, the threats are far different than a century ago, but they are potentially greater in magnitude. Habitat loss and degradation as a result of human influences are the greatest threats to birds and bird populations. Habitats for nesting, foraging, migration and winter are essential and the conservation of these areas is critical.
More than a decade ago, when the number of nesting sites for wading birds and seabirds was at a critical low, Audubon established the North Carolina Coastal Islands sanctuary system to protect and restore vital nesting habitats for these birds. The system began with two islands in the lower Cape Fear River. Today, Audubon protects 20 islands that support thousands of nesting pairs of pelicans, herons, egrets, ibises, gulls, terns and black skimmers.
On the northern Outer Banks, between Duck and Corolla, Audubon protects 6,000 acres of marsh and forest on the Pine Island Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a true island of life in the midst of one of the fastest growing areas of the State.
In the northwestern corner of the State, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Audubon will soon protect and manage Bullhead Mountain. This is North Carolina's premier site for viewing the annual spectacle of raptor migration where thousands of hawks, falcons and other raptors pass along the mountain's ridge.
Audubon's commitment to conserving North Carolina's birds and their habitats is stronger than ever! Check out the sites listed below to learn more about Audubon's North Carolina Sanctuaries.
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