Starlings Island |
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The Surrounding Area |
To the Northeast, just across the channel from Starlings
Island is the incorporated town of Saxis. Actually an island
itself, Saxis is linked to the mainland by a narrow road across the marsh.
In years gone by it was a major hub for fishing, crabbing and oystering
operations. Boats used to line the docks unloading their catch.
The decline in the oyster population brought major changes to Saxis and
today it has become a sleepy little town with under 400 residents.
The majority of the residents work on the mainland and in recent years Saxis
has become more of a vacation town with many houses used as summer
get-aways. Crabbing still plays a part in Saxis and the harbor is
home base to a number of baymen. Several 'shedding houses' hold
blue crabs until they've shed their shells and can be sold as soft shell crabs. Aquaculture experiments with new
breeds of oyster are run from Saxis. The town of Saxis operates a 80 slip marina
(with electric hook ups) and
boat ramp adjacent to the Harbor. To the East is the Saxis Wildlife Management Area, a 5,500 acre wetland owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The area is managed as a black duck breeding and wintering ground. A variety of other birds also take advantage of the excellent habitat. Rough-legged hawk and short-eared owl visit in the winter, as well as grebes, loons, and migrating gulls. The Free School Marsh, which is adjacent to Starlings Island, is prime habitat for seaside sparrow and marsh wren. Boat-tailed grackles also visit and can be seen displaying from posts, while orchard orioles sing in the scattered trees. Countless fiddler crabs inhabit the sloughs that transect the marsh, providing food for large wading birds such as little blue herons and great egrets. To the South is Tunnels Island, a privately owned island which is estimated to be over 1,000 acres is size. Almost all of the island is wetlands, except for one narrow strip of trees in the center of the island. It is believed to be unbuildable. To the North and West are unspoiled views of Pocomoke Sound and the Chesapeake Bay! In the distance are a few atolls and shadowy traces of the Northern Neck of Virginia, 25 miles across the Bay. Less than half an hour away on the Eastern Coast of the Eastern Shore are the Assateague Island National Seashore and the village of Chincoteague. Both are popular destinations in the summer. |
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. |