Site Description: Sand Bag Island is a dredged-sand island located near Cape Lookout. The island is managed for nesting waterbirds that require bare to sparse vegetation habitats, such as terns.  In some years, the site has supported nesting pelicans.

Habitats: bare sand, sparse-moderate grasses/herbs

Land Use: wildlife conservation

Primary Threats: disturbance to birds, erosion

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

Conservation Issues: The island is posted, patrolled and is entirely off-limits to visitors during the nesting season from 1 April to 1 September. Sand Bag island needs periodic renourishment to maintain its size, shape and habitats. This has been accomplished by the US Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and the NC Colonial Waterbird Management Committee.

Birds: Sand Bag Island is one of North Carolina's most important nesting sites for Royal and Sandwich Terns. In some years, the island has supported nesting pelicans.

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

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