Parrott Island

The southern portion of the island is privately owned and well posted, so birding must be limited to paddling around the edges of the island.  The northern section of the island, which is separated from the main part of the island by a channel, is not posted, however, and this is the best area for birding.  The muddy edges can host a shorebirds and a small pond in the marsh can attract herons. The marsh itself should be worked for rails and marsh sparrows. The island has only been visited a handful of times but has already turned up a number of species that are difficult to find in Middlesex county including Tricolored Heron, Clapper Rail, Nelson’s and Seaside Sparrows and Western Sandpiper.  With more visits a wider variety of shorebirds and marsh birds will probably be found.

Accessibility: Parrott Island is only accessible by boat. It is an easy paddle from the Mill Creek Boat Ramp, which is slightly less than a mile away.  The island is privately owned and there is a small cottage on the island so only bird around the edges of the island from your boat. To the north of the main part of the island there is a smaller marshy area, this is not posted so it is fine to get out of your boat here.

eBird Hotspot: Parrott Island

—James Fox

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