A BOON FOR BAY WILDLIFE As erosion continues to diminish the size of the Chesapeake’s islands, Poplar’s restored habitat is becoming more and more valuable for wildlife. Poplar’s isolation and lack of land predators such as foxes and raccoons makes the island habitat ideal for birds. The upland and wetland habitats created in the cells mimic the natural habitats along the shores of the Chesapeake. Dozens of species of waterfowl, shorebirds, perching birds, and birds of prey use the island as a resting place during migrations up and
down the Atlantic Flyway. In the spring, thousands of waterbirds use the new habitat as a nesting grounds to raise their young. Large nesting colonies of glossy ibis, double crested cormorants, and least terns have been recorded on the island. Recently, a pair
of northern shovelers was found nesting on the island, making Poplar the only known location where shovelers nest. Diamondback terrapins thrive in the shallow grass beds around the island, and in early June make their way up onto the island to lay their eggs. Terrapin hatchlings from select nesting locations on the island are collected and raised by local students in the Head Start program. There is a small herd of approximately 20 whitetail deer that roams the island. The Maryland Environmental Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitors the wildlife on Poplar Island throughout the year.
AIR B&B Cormorants and other shorebirds and waterfowl use the island as a home or resting space along the Atlantic Flyway.
ChesapeakeBayMagazine.com 42
July/August 2021
