Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

The 8,219-acre refuge spans across wetlands, providing habitat for 187 bird species, including mallards, snow geese, wood ducks, and numerous wading birds.

Congress founded the refuge on December 30, 1960, under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, expanding its boundaries from 7,835 to 9,503 acres in 1991.

The land bears significance as former territory of coastal Algonkians, who sustained their communities through fishing, hunting, and agricultural practices.

Visitors can access the refuge from sunrise to sunset between March 15 and October 15, with specific areas remaining open for wildlife observation and photography.

The refuge contains both fee title lands and conservation easements, maintaining private ownership while protecting natural habitats across North Carolina and Virginia.

Location: Currituck County

Inception: 1960

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/mackay_island

GPS coordinates: 36.49790,-75.96350

Latest update: March 23, 2025 08:09