Site Description: Cat Island is a forested, natural island located in Bogue Sound. The site was once used as a target for aircraft from the nearby Cherry Point Naval air station. Signs warning of unexploded ordinance surround the island, but the birds don't seem to mind.  For about a decade, the island has supported a significant colony of nesting wading birds.

Habitats: saltmarsh, maritime shrub thicket/forest

Land Use: other conservation, wildlife conservation

Primary Threats: disturbance to birds

Protection Status: The site is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense and is posted by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Conservation Issues: Although the island is posted with "entry prohibited" and "unexploded ordinance" signs, trespassers have been encountered on the island. Human disturbance during the nesting season is a primary concern.

Birds: Cat Island has been a wading bird nesting site since the early 1990's. The island currently supports 5 species and approximately 300 nesting pairs of wading birds.