![GreenWingedTeal-Lewisx150](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170127003818im_/https://www.fws.gov/uploadedImages/Region_4/NWRS/Zone_3/North_Carolina_Coastal_Plain_Refuge_Complex/Mackay_Island/Sections/Seasons_Of_Wildlife/GreenWingedTeal-Lewisx150.jpg)
December through February is an exciting time at the refuge. Thousands of green-winged teal, American widgeon, black ducks, northern pintails, American coots, northern shovelers, ring-necked ducks, and gadwalls make the refuge their winter home. Overwintering songbirds, such as American robin, yellow-rumped warbler, the red-winged blackbird, and sparrows eat seed from native shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses. Great blue herons, American egrets, and snowy egrets are also among the cold weather sights. Black bears lumber through the marshes; white-tailed deer browse on twigs and bark. Waterfowl hunts occur in December and January. Visitors may drive or hike throughout the refuge areas not closed for wintering waterfowl. The Bell Island Pier is open for fishing.