Included in your CFWBF weekend (registration is $200.00)
  • Friday meet & greet & speakers
  • Welcome kit
  • Panel discussion
  • Saturday morning excursion
  • Saturday afternoon excursion
  • Saturday pastries, fruit  & coffee 
  • Saturday dinner
  • Sunday morning excursion
  • Sunday pastries, fruit  & coffee
  • Local birding locations guide

Cape Fear Women's Birding Festival Itinerary:

Day 1 
  • Meet & Greet reception at Shell Island Resort
  • Festival check-in
  • Hummingbird presentation; other speakers/topics TBD;
  • Merch & vendor tables 
  • Light snacks provided

Day 2 
  • Pastries, coffee, fruit provided at Shell Island Resort (pre-field trip)
  • Morning Field Trip
  • Afternoon Field Trip or Workshop
  • Catered dinner provided (location TBD)
  • After dinner speakers & activities TBD

Day 3
  • Pastries, coffee, fruit provided at Shell Island Resort (pre-field trip)
  • Morning Field Trip

Note: Transportation is the sole responsibility of attendees.

 
Hotel Info:
If you are looking for hotel accommodations, the Shell Island Resort is the home base for the CFWBF. 
  • All rooms are Oceanfront Suites with a bedroom featuring either 2 double beds or 1 king depending on availability 
  • 1 and a 1/2 baths
  • Living room with kitchenette,  sleeper sofa , dining room table
  • Private oceanfront balcony


FIELD TRIPS  AND WORKSHOP

Below are descriptions of the various field trips & workshop on offer at the 2026 Cape Fear Women's Birding Festival.
Choose the field trips or workshop you want to attend on the registration page

2026 Festival Workshop

Photo Editing
This program will explore some technical aspects of bird photography including editing. 

2026 Festival Field Trips

Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens is a private garden with public access. The gardens are built around an enclosed tidal creek, thereby offering salt water habitats, fresh water habitats, dense shrub cover, open parkland lawns, and truly ancient enormous live oaks, all within nearly one 360 degree view. Rarities are regularly found in the many thickets throughout the gardens and somewhat site specific birds such as Red-headed Woodpeckers can be found reliably. Paths are asphalt for the most part and the gardens can be enjoyed even shortly after the sometimes torrential rains of the Southeast. A visitor center, gift shop, and restrooms are beautifully maintained. ($10.00 surcharge)
Carolina Beach State Park

Situated along the Cape Fear River, Carolina Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful of North Carolina’s State Parks. Trails lead along the river and through multiple maritime environments. Due to the topography it is possible to see a wide variety of seabirds, waterfowl, and land birds. Nuthatches work deadwood as terns fly along the shore. Uncommon birds are often found within the park, both on the water and inland. Carnivorous plants occur along some trails. Winter provides a respite from insect pressure and humidity, allowing visitors to simply take a seat and watch the tides change if they so choose.
 
Carolina Beach Lake

A bit further into the town of Carolina Beach there is a fresh water lake encircled by a walking path. CBL is notable for easy access, great views of birds on the water and shorelines, and the regular occurrence of relative rarities such as Black-headed Gull. On at least one occasion all three species of Scoters were seen in the lake on the same day. With its proximity to the rocky shoreline just south, the oceanfront mere yards away, and the many observant birders that frequent the area, CBL has hosted numerous rarities. Even without an uncommon bird in residence the lake has a pleasant walk, paved, maintained by volunteers with native plants, and curated to support wildlife. Joggers, dog walkers, and birders alike share the wide path. 
Masonboro Inlet

Between the southern shore of Wrightsville Beach and the northern edge of the undeveloped Masonboro Island, the inlet is flanked by two large rock jetties. In winter these are often utilized by rock loving species that have restricted habitat elsewhere in the area. Great Cormorants and Purple Sandpipers have been seen on top, while Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, and Harlequin Ducks have been found feeding along the base. This is a good area for unusual gulls as well, and the occasional Alcid. A very short walk from parking, there are restrooms and access to the inlet as well as the sound. Sometimes, delightfully, the paths are decorated with student artwork featuring conservation themes.
Johnny Mercer’s Pier

Johnny Mercer’s Pier in Wrightsville Beach  is one of the few piers off the coast of North Carolina constructed of concrete. Because of that and its proximity to the nearby Coquina Rocks, there are often ocean ducks feeding on the pilings in and under the pier. In winter large aggregations of Loons, Grebes, Gannets and sometimes Alcids can be seen on the ocean off the pier. Skeins of sea ducks pass by in both migration seasons and in winter. Scopes allowed. ($2.00 surcharge)
Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake is a birding oasis in the middle of Wilmington, NC. There is a continuous five mile trail around the entire lake. It is a pleasant and community oriented pathway, shared by joggers, birders, and dog-walkers alike. In winter the lake is often host to ducks, geese, errant terns, Anhingas, and Gulls. Small Passerines are legion in the tangled azaleas, both winter and summer. Overwintering Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Black and White Warblers are occasional throughout winter, along with Orange-crowned Warblers.