|
The Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, located in the extreme northeast corner of North Carolina on Knotts Island, protects an area on the Atlantic Flyway used by migratory birds, including snow geese on their way south for the winter. The refuge protects more than 8,138 acres in North Carolina and Virginia.
It attracts wading birds such as great blue heron, little blue herons, snowy, great and cattle egrets, green-backed herons and glossy ibises.
Mammal species on the refuge include muskrat, nutria, river otter, white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, gray fox and raccoon.
All portions of the refuge are generally open from March 15 to Oct. 15 each year for recreational uses such as wildlife observation, hiking, biking and fishing. At times, parts of the refuge are closed for special circumstances — to protect a nesting pair of bald eagles, for example.
Major portions of the refuge are closed from Oct. 16 through March 14 to provide wildlife rest areas. Call ahead for seasonal information.
Outdoor Activities |
