Striking Island
Location: Brunswick County
Total Size: 60 acres
Site Description:
Striking Island is a natural marsh island located in the lower Cape Fear River
south of Wilmington. The site consists primarily of intertidal and high
saltmarsh with small islands of upland washed oyster shell banks, shrubs and
grassy areas.
Habitats:
saltmarsh, shrub/scrub, oyster shell "rakes"
Land Use: wildlife conservation
Primary Threats: disturbance to nesting birds
Protection Status: The site is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society. It is posted and patrolled, and is off-limits to all visitors.
Conservation Issues: Disturbance to nesting birds is a concern. The island is posted and patrolled to discourage disturbances.
Birds: Striking Island is an important foraging site for wading birds from the nearby Battery Island Audubon Sanctuary. The site supports nesting Laughing Gulls, American Oystercatchers, Willets and Clapper Rails.
Key Bird Species
|
Criteria |
Season |
Number |
|
| 4f | Laughing Gull | B | 604 prs. |
| American Oystercatchers | all | 5-7 prs., 10-20 | |
| Willet | all | 5-15 prs., 10-30 | |
| Clapper Rail | all | -- | |
| wading birds | Spring-Summer | 100-700 |
B=Breeding FM=Fall Migration
SM=Spring Migration W=Winter
Sources:
Walker Golder, National Audubon Society