FORT FISHER STATE RECREATIONAL AREA, NC.

The Fort Fisher State Recreational Area is located south of Kure Beach, NC, and lies between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Cape Fear river on the west. For the birder there are miles of unspoiled sandy beaches and the Basin (or Hermit) Trail that runs a little over a mile behind the dunes through maritime forest and tidal creeks, marsh, and mudflats. The area is teeming with wading birds and shorebirds. The Basin Trail courses through some of the most striking marsh and tidal ponds that I have seen.. The dune and maritime shrub habitats provide great birding for sparrows and warblers, especially during fall migration. This is one of my favorite areas for photographing birds. The other good birding areas within a 10 mile radius include the Carolina Beach State Park, Fort Fisher, and the adjacent Nc Aquarium site all contribute to this being a “don’t miss” place for birders!  To see photos taken here, please see the Journal entry of June 18, 2016.