About the Club

Mission Statement

The Carolina Bird Club is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the birding community in the Carolinas through its website, publications, meetings, workshops, trips, and partnerships, whose mission is


Join us — Join, Renew, Donate

The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific association open to anyone interested in the study and conservation of wildlife, particularly birds.

The Club meets each winter, spring, and fall at different locations in the Carolinas. Meeting sites are selected to give participants an opportunity to see many different kinds of birds. Guided field trips and informative programs are combined for an exciting weekend of meeting with people who share an enthusiasm and concern for birds.

The Club offers research grants in avian biology for undergraduate and graduate students, and scholarships for young birders.

The Club publishes two print publications (now also available online). The Chat is a quarterly ornithological journal that contains scientific articles, reports of bird records committees and bird counts, and general field notes on bird sightings. CBC Newsletter is published bimonthly and includes birding articles and information about meetings, field trips, and Club news.

The Club provides this website to all for free.

By becoming a member, you support the activities of the Club, receive reduced registration fee for meetings, can participate in bonus field trips, and receive our publications.

Join, Renew, or Donate now!


Other Resources (NOT sponsored by Carolina Bird Club)

Winter 2010 Meeting at Atlantic Beach, NC

John Fussell & Lena Gallitano

A winter trip to the beach promises a chance to see many of our traditional wintering birds, but also holds the lure of a possible rare species. This year's winter meeting is no exception, as participants and leaders alike sort through shorebirds, gulls, terns, loons, sparrows, waterfowl, and others searching for that rarity. Perhaps a new North Carolina record or a life bird? Join us January 29–31, 2010 at Atlantic Beach for some great winter birding on our barrier islands, marshes, national forest and wildlife refuges. From Atlantic Beach to down east Carteret County, west to Swansboro and north to New Bern, we'll scour every nook and cranny of the area to discover as many species as possible.

Friday night plan on a social at the Sheraton to renew past acquaintances and meet others prior to hearing Rodney Kemp, a locally grown storyteller. Rodney will entertain us with tales and folklore drawn from the people and rich heritage of Carteret County. This evening of frivolity will be a treat for everyone, birder and non-birder alike. On Saturday, make plans to join fellow Club members for the now traditional group buffet dinner, speaker and countdown. The buffet will feature an Italian menu with vegetarian options among the choices. The price is $21/person, and signup is included on the enclosed registration form.

Our Saturday speaker is Lynn Barber, a past CBC member from Raleigh who now lives in Texas but is still well known in the Carolinas. The program entitled “Passionate Birder: Lynn Barber's ABA Big Year” will give Lynn a chance to relive her 2008 Big Year birding forays across America with us. We'll all be shaking our heads in amazement and wonder at the fortitude and focus of this passionate birder by the end of the evening.

Headquarters for the meeting will be the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. Their telephone number for reservations is 1-800-624-8875. From US 70 in Morehead City take the causeway to Atlantic Beach, turning right on SR 58. The Sheraton is 2.3 miles on the left. Room rates are $79 per night single or double occupancy, plus a 12.75% room tax. Be sure to mention you are with the CBC when making reservations. All rooms have a hair dryer, coffeemaker, and refrigerator. A lobby microwave is also available for guests. The rate does not include breakfast, however there is a restaurant in the hotel where you can purchase breakfast, and there are fast food alternatives available nearby. Reservation deadline is December 29, 2009. Rooms and room rates cannot be guaranteed after this date, so be sure to reserve before the deadline.

Those wishing to extend their time in the region and experience more of North Carolina's exciting birds will want to sign on for the bonus pelagic trip Wednesday, January 27 aboard the Stormy Petrel II with Captain Brian Patteson.

January in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream promises some nice birds that can make the week a truly exceptional one for anyone trying to get a head start on their 2010 list! On Thursday, plan to do some birding on your own or join with others on Ocracoke as you make your way by car and ferry to Cedar Island and Atlantic Beach for the weekend.

With participation limits on all field trips, like the early bird getting the worm, early registration will give you the best chance for your trips of choice, so make your plans now and we'll see you at Atlantic Beach!