The Big Sandy Petrel Island is a remote beach island off the coast of southeastern Nova Scotia that is home to a breeding colony of the world’s largest seabird, the Great Egret. The island is part of the Big Sandy Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The reserve was designated in 1978 and covers an area of 1,530 square kilometers. The island is also a Important Bird Area because it supports over half of the world population of this bird.
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History
The Big Sandy Petrel Island was first discovered by Europeans in 1605 when the Spanish explorer Gabriel de Castilla sailed past it on his way to discover Newfoundland. The island remained uninhabited until Samuel Hearne did a survey of the area in 1749 and noted that there were large numbers of petrels nesting on the island.
It wasn’t until 1885 that anyone settled on the island, establishing a small logging camp run by Daniel Price and his son William Price. The two of them were shipwrecked on the island in 1885 after their cabin raft overturned at sea, but they stayed thanks to a promise from another logger that if they helped him shore up an old sealer’s hut as shelter he would give them water whenever they needed it.
Climate
The Big Sandy Petrel Island has a humid continental climate with long, cold winters and short, hot summers. The island experiences some significant weather fluctuations due to its close proximity to the Gulf Stream.
These fluctuations can cause significant temperature changes over relatively short periods of time, making it an important location for wildlife study. Precipitation averages over 614 millimeters (24.4 inches). In contrast, the island receives on average more than 750 hours of sunlight each year.
Culture
The culture on the Big Sandy Petrel Island is based largely around subsistence hunting and fishing. In addition, the island has a small number of permanent residents as well as a large contingent of summertime visitors who come to birdwatch. Private Landownership: Private land and property ownership is permitted.
The primary commercial enterprise on the island today however, is a semi-permanent seasonal residence built by Daniel Price in 1885 which was then opened to the public from 1918 through at least 1962 when it burned down (though early records indicate earlier dates).
Politics
ie for future generations, consider visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park and exploring its lush forests, impressive dunes, and abundant wildlife. Many conservation-minded Americans have heard of Big Sandy Petrel Island, however few know its true history and potential. New Mexico State Parks Minerals Management Service made the site eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Many archives in private collections and in the Big Sandy Petrel Island State Park Museum document this story. Given its state of neglect, it is well worth a visit to enjoy your own experience but also take you kids on an educational field trip exploring those records at the same time.
Government Services
There are no motor vehicle or water access facilities on the island. There is a self-service grocery store, post office and limited public camping (primarily for backpackers) on the northeastern side of the island.
To reach Big Sandy Petrel Island from Albuquerque, drive south on Interstate 40 to Exit 417 in Grants NM. Turn left onto Highway 287 which runs northwest along its namesake river into National Park Service administered Santa Fe National Forest just outside of Grants NM.
Take this highway to San Bartolo. At the first traffic light you reach on 287, turn right onto Santa Fe Trail and go 1 mile (1.6 km) at which point Big Sandy Petrel Island is on your right hand side across a narrow channel with mainly boat access only.
Tourism
Information about visiting Big Sandy Petrel Island is available from the Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center, located in San Bartolo. The center can provide information on overnight camping and other outdoor activities such as bird watching.
New Mexico State Parks Minerals Management Service may also be able to direct you to contacts who can help arrange transportation and camping permits, as well as tours of the island.
Transport
There is no public transportation to the island. You will need your own vehicle or boat to get there. It is possible to access the island by paddleboat, motorized boat or swimming. The distance from Grants to San Bartolo via Wilson Cove is only .5 miles (1 km) and 500 ft. (150 m).
Points of interest on the island include caves, petrel breeding colonies and old mill ruins. The island is extremely remote and visitors should be prepared to bear their own water supply.
Cuisine
There is no restaurant or store on the island, so food must be brought with you. There are a few places to pick fresh fish and fruit along the river. It is possible, though not recommended, to bring your dog onto the island as long there are no dogs on Big Sandy Petrel.
There are several large rock piles of partially decomposed plant life where mammals have made their home including endangered carrion birds such as Dorius’s curassows (Philotpteridae) which scavenge for insect life on decaying leaves in the cracks and crevices of the rock piles.
Conclusion
By now, you must have heard of the Big Sandy petrel. This charismatic seabird is one of the main attractions of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Named after the impressive sand storm it can create, this bird is a true marvel of nature. What you may not know about this bird, however, is that it is one of the most endangered seabirds in North America.
The Big Sandy petrel isfacing extinction due to a variety of threats, including oil and gas development, climate change, and coastal development. If you would like to help preserve this species, learn more about its conservation in this blog.
FAQ
What Is The Big Sandy Petrel?
The Big Sandy petrel is a large seabird that can be found nesting on the remote Big Sandy Petrel Island in southeastern Nova Scotia. The bird is one of the main attractions of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
What Are Some Of The Threats To This Species?
Oil and gas development, climate change, and coastal development are all threats to the Big Sandy petrel. Most of these threats come in the form of potential spills and resultant damage to breeding colonies, which occur on numerous islands off Nova Scotia’s southeastern coast.
How Do We Protect This Bird?
Tourism and conservation efforts coupled with an economic incentive for wind energy can help to reduce the threat posed by human activity. You can also support environmental organizations like Headwaters who are dedicated to protecting seabirds at every stage of their life cycle.
How Many Big Sandy Petrels Remain?
There is not a single breeding population of this species remaining in North America, so you cannot find out how many individuals are left by looking up its range . Researchers estimate that fewer than 300 individuals remain on the entire continent. I will update this population estimate in the future.
Why Should I Care About Big Sandy Petrels?
Even if you have not experienced a misty tropical morning or seen these birds on their home turf, do yourself and my fellow Earthling one small favor: conserve our environment for the sake of all life – large or small; it’s just not too much to ask.
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