Site Description: Battery island is a 100 acre natural island guarding the mouth of the Cape Fear River located  near the town of Southport.  Many years ago, Battery Island received deposits dredged sand which formed the southern upland area of the island, commonly referred to as the "South Colony."   This is where the majority of wading birds gather to nest in the red cedars, yaupon and other shrubs.  During late spring and summer, visitors to the Southport waterfront can witness the early-morning departure of thousands of white ibises as they leave for inland foraging grounds.  The sky over Southport is again filled with ibises during the last two hours of daylight as flocks from 20 to 200 ibises return to Battery Island for the evening.  Battery Island supports North Carolina's largest colony of wading birds, which include approximately 10% of North America's white ibises. The riverside beach front is prime nesting habitat for American Oystercatchers and the grassy uplands support nesting willets.

Habitats: shrub/scrub, saltmarsh

Land Use: wildlife conservation

Primary Threats: disturbance to birds

Protection Status: The site is protected and managed by the National Audubon Society--NC

Conservation Issues: Disturbance during the nesting season is a primary concern.  Audubon Wardens post and patrol the island throughout the nesting season and regularly during other times of the year. The island is also patrolled by NC Wildlife Enforcement Officers.

Birds: Battery Island the site of North Carolina's largest colony of nesting wading birds, supporting 10-15,000+ nesting pairs of 9 wading bird species. The site is globally significant for white ibises. At least 10 pairs of oystercatchers nest on the island annually, along with willets, numerous clapper rails, seaside sparrows and an occasional marsh wren or two. Research and monitoring projects have been ongoing since 1982 and have contributed significantly to the knowledge of wading birds and their habitats.

B=Breeding    FM=Fall Migration     SM=Spring Migration     W=Winter

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