Greater Isle au Haut - The Cowpens/Whitehorse Island/White and Green Ledges

These sites are located east and northeast of Isle au Haut. Mostly barren granite ledges, these sites are exposed to the southeast with little protection from the open Atlantic.

Ornithological Summary

Greatest importance of these sites is providing wintering habitat for Harlequin Ducks and Purple Sandpipers. Large numbers of Common Eiders are found here as well. A large Double-crested Cormorant colony can be found at The Cowpen.

Conservation Issues

Oil spills and other overboard discharges pose the greatest threat to these sites and surrounding waters. Its remote location and barren condition shield it from disturbance by recreationists.

Ownership

These sites are owned by the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and managed as part of the Coast of Maine Wildlife Management Area. They are closed to public use from April 15 to July 31 each year.