“…a place, remote, beautiful in a special way; an island that has unparalled fascination for those interested in oceanic islands, unusual plants, lobster eating, shipwrecks and, above all, birds.”
– L.B. MacPherson, A Wondrous Foggy Isle, 1980

Seal Island – a Wondrous Foggy Isle

At the extreme southwest of the province, 32 km offshore where the Bay of Fundy pours out into the Atlantic, lies Seal Island – a large, remote and wild island. Its pristine habitats, including stunted, mossy forest, salt marsh, bog and barachois pond, rocky shore, sandy beach and grass dunes play host to tens of thousands of birds annually on their migratory journey.

The island is also home to a rich history and culture. Although year-round habitation ended in the 1990s, it is still used seasonally by fishermen, birders, and many local families who have been connected to the island for generations.

one of the most important islands for migratory birds in Atlantic Canada – Protected, Forever

Now, thanks to unprecedented support through the 2019 Lasting Landscapes campaign, 650 acres – over 80% of the island – is permanently protected by the Nova Scotia Nature Trust, ensuring the ‘wonderous foggy isle’ remains as wild and beautiful as it is today.

Over 330 species have been recorded on Seal Island, using it for breeding, overwintering, migration or storm shelter. Recorded species include over 20 nationally and provincially-designated bird species at risk such as Roseate Tern, Harlequin Duck, Canada Warbler, Rusty Blackbird, Red Knot, and Barn Swallow. Other birds of conservation concern have been sighted on the island, including Common Eider, Leach’s Storm-petrel, and Atlantic Puffin.

Located strategically on a major migration path called the Atlantic Flyway, the island acts like a migrant trap, drawing in birds from across a vast swath of ocean. As far west and south as you can go and still be in Nova Scotia, the island is the last stopover before a long open ocean flight south, providing a critical place to refuel and replenish.

Astounding numbers of birds have been recorded during migration. Single day reports, for example, include more than 5000 American Robins, 1100 White-throated Sparrows, 1000 Palm Warblers and over 500 raptors.

Seal Island also provides refuge for rarely seen exotic visitors to Nova Scotia, birds blown far off course during major storms. Birders thrill to discover rarities like Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Cave Swallow, Magnificent Frigate bird, and Warblers like Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warbler.

Records confirming the island’s significance for birds date back to lighthouse keeper notes from the early 1900s, with strong birding presence by the Nova Scotia Bird Society since 1963 and research and monitoring by the Acadia University’s Atlantic Bird Observatory since 1995.

Working with Fishing Families, Bird experts and scientists to protect and steward seal island, forever.

With Seal Island now protected forever by the Nature Trust, the task turns to developing a stewardship plan. We’ve been working with local fishing families, researchers and bird experts to help us better understand the history and use of Seal Island, its ecological and other important features. With the help of volunteers we completed a baseline survey in August 2019. And we’re working on a broader coastal islands initiative, that will bring together knowledge to help shape a future vision for these treasured places.

How you can help