Plum Island Lighthouse and The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

On a mild day in February, we drove to Plum Island to visit the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. We saw the environment, the land, the beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean, but, since it was wintertime, we only saw flocks of larger birds. The access to some of the Wildlife Refuge toward the southern end was blocked to winter traffic.
“Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Most commonly associated with Plum Island - a barrier beach island - the refuge is comprised of more than 4700 acres of diverse habitats including sandy beach and dune, cranberry bog, maritime forest and shrub land, and freshwater marsh. The most abundant habitat on the refuge is its 3,000+ acres of salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. Parker River provides pristine coastal habitat for over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, insects, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The refuge also provides critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
In addition to its mission of wildlife conservation, the refuge provides a variety of excellent wildlife-dependent recreational activities, including surf fishing, wildlife observation and photography, a variety of interpretive programs, and seasonal waterfowl and deer hunting opportunities. A large visitor center - complete with a classroom and auditorium - supports many of these public uses.
Parker River has achieved the following special designations: Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN), Important Bird Area (IBA), and Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).”
Source: www.fws.gov/refuge/Parker_Riv...
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