Updated 07/08/2009 05:29 PM
Groups work to preserve island bird nesting habitat
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FERRY SLIP ISLAND, N.C. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Audubon North Carolina are working together to help protect thousands of sea birds on the coast. They are trying to preserve one of the only nesting habitats strictly for birds in the area, called Ferry Slip Island.
Audubon N.C. Deputy Director Walker Golder said the island is one of two man-made islands in southeastern North Carolina that offers sea birds a home.
"They are the only suitable nesting habitat for these species for about 100 miles to the north and 100 miles to the south," said Golder.
Ferry Slip Island is protected. There are no people, buildings or other signs of civilization. The Audubon Society monitors the island year round.
"Maintaining it free of people and free of mammalian predators is what we have to do to keep the birds here," Golder said.
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers created the island in the 1970s with left-over material from a dredging project on the Cape Fear River. Audubon North Carolina said the birds could not resist. They estimated 4,000 birds live there, including Brown Pelicans, Royal and Sandwich Terns and Laughing Gulls.
"It's perfect habitat for a variety of species, five different ones here," said Angela Mangiameli, of Audubon N.C. "A mix of vegetation and bare sand is required."
Now the vegetation is encroaching on the sandy area. The Audubon Society is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get more sand on the island for birds to help preserve it for years to come.
"As soon as we have enough sand in the area to dredge onto the island, we do so," said Jessica Mallindine, a biologist with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "The cycle for this area is typically five to seven years."
The U.S. Army Corps hope to have dredging project in 2010 that will supply the island with more sand. The cooperation between the two groups ensures birds on the coast will continue to soar.