South Pelican Island
Location: Brunswick County
Total Size: 9 acres
Site Description:
South Pelican Island is a dredged-sand island located in the lower Cape Fear
River south of Wilmington. The island has been a haven for nesting pelicans,
gulls and terns for more tan two decades. The site is posted and patrolled, and is off-limits
to all visitors.
Habitats:
bare sand, sparse-moderate grasses/herbs, dense grass/herbs
Land Use: wildlife conservation
Primary Threats: disturbance to nesting birds
Protection Status: The site is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Conservation Issues: Disturbance to nesting birds is a primary concern. The island is posted and patrolled to discourage disturbances. The site 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, Audubon, and the NC Colonial Waterbird Management Committee.
Birds: South Pelican Island, together with Ferry Slip Island, are the most important nesting sites for royal and sandwich terns in southeastern North Carolina. The site supports the largest colony of Brown Pelicans in southeastern North Carolina.
Key Bird Species
|
Criteria |
Season |
Number |
|
| 4f | Brown Pelican | B | 763 prs |
| 4f | Royal Tern | B | 1100 prs |
| 4f | Sandwich Tern | B | 532 prs |
| 4f | Laughing Gull | B | 2200 prs |
B=Breeding FM=Fall Migration
SM=Spring Migration W=Winter
Sources:
NC Colonial Waterbird database
National Audubon Society-NC