Starlings Island
In the Chesapeake Bay, just offshore of Saxis, VA

 

The Island 

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     County tax records list Starlings Island as 23 acres in size, but one look will show that this is a significant underestimate.  Analysis of aerial imagery has suggested a size of between 75 and 90 acres. In 2005 a GPS receiver was used while walking along the perimeter of the Island at high tide. While soft ground prevented a complete walk of the island, the data collected yielded an estimated size of about 75 acres. The map below was created based on the GPS information.  The wooded area is estimated to be 4 1/2 acres in size and the grass areas are estimated to be 5 1/2 acres in size. 
    The wooded areas of the island are dominated by scrub cherries and scrub plums with underlying grasses. There is a stand of pines on the northwest corner. Smaller pines are popping up all around the island. There are also a few locust trees, gums and cedars. The non-native invasive reed Phragmites is present and had moved out of the wetlands, but is retreating in areas where eradication efforts are underway. The native grass is now recovering well in many areas and sapling trees are beginning to appear.

     The Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife. A wide variety of birds visit the island year round and bald eagle sightings are common. Several owls call the island home.  Deer visit the Island regularly and as many as 5 have been spotted at one time. Does with fawns are often seen during the spring and summer months. Deer sightings have increased as the native grasses have recovered. Smaller animals include fox, raccoons, opossums, mice and voles.
 

 

For additional information or to schedule a visit, please send an E-mail to Dave@StarlingsIsland.com
All information contained in this listing has been gathered from reliable sources, but is not guaranteed.