Pond Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Pond Iceland National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge in Sagadahoc County in the U.S. state of Maine. The four -acre island lies off the mouth of the Kennebec River and adjacent to the Popham Beach State Park. The coasts of the island are mostly rocky, just to the north there is a small sandy beach. The falling dry at low tide area around the island and in Popham Beach, shorebirds excellent opportunities for finding food.

History

In 1821 a lighthouse was built on the island, which was in 1855 replaced by the still active tower. The lighthouse was automated in 1960, in 1973 joined the U.S. Coast Guard the island to the Fish and Wildlife Service from, but it continues to maintain the lighthouse. Pond Iceland is one of five areas of the Maine Coastal Iceland National Wildlife Refuge. The island can only be entered from September to late March, but is accessible only by boats. During the breeding season from April to late August, the entry into which is prohibited.

Flora and Fauna

The treeless island is covered with various grasses and bushes and ground cover, and therefore an excellent habitat for nesting seabirds. 1996 River Terns were again successfully settled on the island, 2003, breeding specimens of the endangered roseate tern were discovered on the island. In addition, eiders nest on Pond Iceland and during migration it is a resting place for migratory birds.