View Thousands Of Alaska Tundra Swans In North Carolina At This Magical Place In The Winter

The return of winter in the Tar Heel State always coincides with a phenomenal, positively magical sight at the largest natural lake in the state. And what a sight to behold! Imagine thousands of Alaska tundra swans in North Carolina, all in the same place for the winter: Lake Mattamuskeet.

At 18 miles long and seven miles wide, Lake Mattamuskeet outranks all other natural bodies of water when it comes to size. It's also one of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

And when winter rolls around, you’ll be in for one lovely view of Lake Mattamuskeet.

Because it will be filled with thousands and thousands of Alaska tundra swans!

This sight is absolutely breathtaking, and well worth the visit to Lake Mattamuskeet.

While tundra swans breeding along much of the Alaska coast tend to winter down the west coast of the U.S., tundra swans that breed along the northwestern coast of Alaska and Canada follow wintering flight patterns that lead them to overwintering spots along the east coast of the United States, usually from Maryland to South Carolina.

That means Alaska tundra swans can be seen in North Carolina in the winter season.

In North Carolina, you're almost guaranteed to see them beginning in late November, as they hunker down here and spend their winter months in the warmer atmosphere found in Lake Mattamuskeet.

The mild temperatures of Lake Mattamuskeet in winter make it the perfect place to get cozy.

Typically, the Alaska Tundra Swan is entirely white in plumage and has a black bill (with a yellow spot) and black feet.

Additionally, the Cobs (males) are a bit larger than the Pens (females). Otherwise the Alaska tundra swans are nearly indistinguishable.

When all packed together in a group, the swans can be called a herd, or a bevy, or even a wedge (when in flight); however, on the ground, they're called a bank.

Alaska tundra swans offer a unique sight in the winter season of North Carolina.

Why North Carolina? And, more specifically, why Lake Mattamuskeet?

While their diet includes many of the leftovers in nearby fields after a big harvest (such as leftover grains, potatoes, or other remnants of crop vegetation), they also forage for food growing on the bottom of the lake. And the fact that Lake Mattamuskeet is, on average, only two or three feet deep, makes it easy pickings.

If you want to get an eyeful of Alaska Tundra Swans, late autumn is the time to go. They begin arriving in late November and will be around throughout the winter season in the Lake Mattamuskeet area.

It’s worth a visit if you have the time and you’re in the right place.

It's a big lake, but easy access is found within the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

Learn more about the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge on their website.

What a wonderful day trip! Stay for sunset, if you can.

You’ll agree: the best time to visit Lake Mattamuskeet is during the winter months!

Of note, if you're already familiar with the annual Tundra Swan watching at Lake Mattamuskeet, you’ll want to visit the annual Swan Days Festival. We absolutely love this annual festival, and highly recommend you attend if you are able. But you can still see the Alaska tundra swans in North Carolina all on your own, as well!

Looking for more great places to view birds in North Carolina? The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is always high on our list to visit!