Community Corner

Faulkner Island 1982 And After Sandy In 2012

This was recently posted by Patrick Lynch of North Haven, CT, an artist, photographer, and senior digital office at Yale University. We found it interesting, thought you might too.

"Comparing shots from 1982 and recent to look at the really fast erosion of Faulkner Island, a small drumlin in the Sound that is home to one of the major tern colonies in the northeast," Lynch wrote. 

Here is some additional information about the lighthouse, from the Connecticut Audubon Society: "Falkner Island is one of the 'crown jewels' of Connecticut bird habitats. Since the 1960's, Falkner Island has been the site of the largest Common and Roseate Tern colony in the state. It currently supports over 95% of the nesting Common Terns in Connecticut. It is the site of one of the ten largest Roseate Tern (~45 pairs) colonies in Northeastern North America, and is the only regular nesting location for this federally endangered species in the state.

In addition to the island's importance to these two species in Connecticut, it is important to several other groups of birds. Several pairs of American Black Ducks nest on the island along with as many as two pairs of American Oystercatchers. Being over 3 miles from the nearest land, the island serves as an important stopover area for many species of migratory landbirds. To be on the island on a good migration morning is a magical experience."

"Falkner Island is a crescent-shaped island approximately 3 miles south of Guilford. It is the only vegetated 'marine' island in Connecticut. It has been a part of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR since 1985; prior to that, it was owned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The island consists of a rocky shoreline surrounding an eroding sand/gravel upland. The upland habitats include mowed paths, Poison Ivy, other low brushy vegetation, and a small sumac stand.

IBA Criteria: Connecticut (and Federally) Endangered and Threatened Species; High Conservation Priority Species; Rare, Unique and Representative Habitat; 100+ Terns/500+ Gulls; Exceptional Concentrations of Migratory Landbirds; Single Species Concentrations >1%; Long Term Research and Monitoring." 

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You can read more about Faulkner Island and its importance as a habitat at the Connecticut Audubon website

Here is information from the Faulkner Light Brigade about the lighthouse: "Connecticut’s second oldest lighthouse tower, Faulkner’s Island Light is the only active light station on an island in the state. Faulkner’s Island is about three and one half miles offshore from Guilford, Connecticut. Many vessels negotiating Long Island Sound were wrecked on the rocks around the three-acre island, prompting the Lighthouse Establishment to erect a 40-foot stone lighthouse in 1802. The beacon was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, and the island was purchased from Medad Stone for $325. The steamer Winooski near Faulkner’s Island in an 1866 engraving. Like Connecticut’s oldest lighthouse tower, New London Harbor Light, Faulkner’s Island Light was built by stonemason Abisha Woodward. The lighthouse is notable for the unusual outside staircase on its upper section, leading to the gallery deck."

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