Bald Head Island's Flora and Fauna

Much of Bald Head Island is covered with a live and laurel oak forest, and these magnificent trees form a canopy that protects other plants from salt spray. The undergrowth in Bald Head Island's maritime forest consists of wild olive, American holly, yaupon, and catbrier. The forest is also dotted with sabal palms.

Bald Head Island's lagoons offer fabulous opportunities to observe the once endangered American Alligator. The island is an extremely important loggerhead sea turtle sanctuary; its beaches are major sea turtle nesting sites from May through October.

Since Bald Head Island is located on the easternmost bird migration corridor in the United States, it's also a perfect place for bird watching. Be sure to pack your binoculars! Birds found on the island include the peregrine falcon, the painted bunting, the white ibis, the cedar waxwing, and the perennially popular brown pelican.

Other migratory patterns that are fascinating and beautiful to watch on Bald Head Island in the fall are those of butterflies such as the monarch and the eastern tiger swallowtail. Raccoons, deer, foxes, and river otters can also be found on Bald Head Island.

For information on fish and other marine animals that live near Bald Head Island, click here to visit our Fishing Page.

Be sure to check out the other wonders of nature on Bald Head Island:


Bald Head Island Office
PO Box 3012
21 Keelson Row
Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Phone: 1-800-680-8322
E-Mail: Rentals
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm daily