The Bird Store

Within the walls of this old Nags Head-style cottage shop, decked outside with driftwood, you’ll find the best collection of wildlife art anywhere in the region. With its focus on birds and a specialty in decoys and carvings, its rooms are filled with creations of some of the region‘s most talented and best-known artists and craftsmen.

This exceptional gallery is composed of a number of treasure-filled rooms, most with a main theme focus, like crabs, pelicans, herons and egrets, ducks and shorebirds, to name a few. There’s also a nice selection of antiques, art and collectibles related to hunting dogs and fishing.

Beautiful bird carvings of all sizes are found throughout the shop and include antiques, reproductions of works by well-known NC carvers and some created by descendants of these legendary artisans. Though the focus is mostly on regional birds, those native to other areas are well-represented.

In addition to original carvings and paintings, the shop carries fine prints and reproductions with wildlife, lighthouse and other seashore themes in various media. Also notable are its sculptures, plaques and an eye-catching collection of driftwood. Filling the spaces between the many larger items, is a wide and unique selection of artsy wildlife gifts, along with books, t-shirts, puzzles, greeting cards and much more.

A browse through the Bird Store is a visual treat you won’t soon forget. You’ll find the shop just a half mile south of the Wright Brothers Memorial and open most days year round. Off-season days and hours can vary, so call ahead if visiting from out of town.