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.
Rod Vamosi / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
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!
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
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.
Wikipedia/CIA World Factbook
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.
Google/Ekta Nag Sharma
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.
BobEdmonson / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Additionally, the Cobs (males) are a bit larger than the Pens (females). Otherwise the Alaska tundra swans are nearly indistinguishable.

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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.
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
Alaska tundra swans offer a unique sight in the winter season of North Carolina.
Why North Carolina? And, more specifically, why Lake Mattamuskeet?
Wikepedia/Maga-chan
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.
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
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.
Ryan Mcgurl / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
Learn more about the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge on their website.
What a wonderful day trip! Stay for sunset, if you can.
Google/Tara Bellamy
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!

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Alaska Tundra Swans

Megan McDonald | December 30, 2022

What are the winter temperatures at Lake Mattamuskeet?

The winter temperatures at Lake Mattamuskeet vary but almost always stay above freezing. December will see temperatures of 57 degrees Fahrenheit and 39 degrees Fahrenheit, January will see highs of 52 degrees Fahrenheit and 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and February will see highs of 56 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 36 degrees Fahrenheit.

How deep is Lake Mattamuskeet?

Lake Mattamuskeet is a relatively shallow lake, varying from half a foot to 4 feet deep all across the lake. It averages a depth of 1.5 feet. The lake is 14 miles long, 5 miles wide, and a haven for all sorts of local wildlife, including many waterfowl and migratory birds. Lake Mattamuskeet is actually North Carolina’s largest natural lake.

Is Lake Mattamuskeet fresh water?

Lake Mattamuskeet is a freshwater lake and also North Carolina’s largest freshwater lake in the state. It is a part of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes nearby marshes, swamps, and forests. 

Some of our other favorite North Carolina Wildlife Refuges are:

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Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA