Lesser Scaup

May 8. So far this year, NCWRC has confirmed two dozen wild birds have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in North Carolina, including Mecklenburg.

They include a variety of waterfowl and raptor species including American green-winged teal, American white pelican, American wigeon, Canada goose, gadwall, lesser scaup, mallard, northern shoveler, redhead duck, wood duck and black vulture.

On Lake Norman,  a variety of waterfowl can be found including mallards, wood ducks, teal and other ducks, as well as Canada and other geese. Wading birds, including great blue herons, green-backed herons and egrets, may be encountered along lake shallows in summer.

If you find dead wild birds, especially five or more dead ones within a week, contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 1-866-318-2401, 8 am – 5 pm  Monday-Friday, or email HWI@ncwildlife.org.

These HPAI detections have occurred in counties across the state including Beaufort, Buncombe, Carteret, Dare, Hyde, Mecklenburg, Pamlico and Wayne.