Great Island

Location: Hyde County            Total Size: 10 acres

Site Description: Great Island is a natural island located in northern Pamlico Sound. The island is primarily saltmarsh.  Wrack deposited in the marsh during storm tides provides ideal nesting habitat for Forster's Terns and a few Common Terns. The site is posted and patrolled, and is off-limits to all visitors.

Habitats: saltmarsh

Land Use: wildlife conservation

Primary Threats: disturbance to nesting birds

Protection Status: The site is protected and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Conservation Issues: Disturbance to nesting birds is a primary concern. The island is posted and patrolled to discourage disturbances. 

Birds: Great Island is one of North Carolina's most important sites for nesting Forster's Terns.  Common Terns also nest on the site.

Key Bird Species

Criteria

  

Season

Number

4a

 Forster's Tern

B

25-135 prs.
  Common Tern B 10-30 prs.
       
       

B=Breeding    FM=Fall Migration     SM=Spring Migration     W=Winter

Sources:

NC Colonial Waterbird database