Birch Islands, Maine facts for kids
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Birch Islands from a 1904 USGS map. Ripley Neck is to the west.
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Addison, Maine |
| Coordinates | 44°31′53″N 67°45′44″W / 44.5314°N 67.7621°W |
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The Birch Islands are two small islands located in Pleasant Bay, in Washington County, Maine, United States. These islands are called Upper Birch Island and Lower Birch Island. They are special because you can walk between them when the tide is low!
The islands are owned by private individuals. There is only one home located on these islands. They are officially part of the town of Addison.
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Exploring the Birch Islands
The Birch Islands offer a quiet escape in coastal Maine. They are known for their natural beauty. Being privately owned means they are not open to the public.
What Makes Them Unique?
One interesting fact about the Birch Islands is how they connect. At low tide, the water level drops enough. This creates a natural land bridge between Upper and Lower Birch Island. This allows people to walk from one island to the other.
Where Are They Located?
The islands are found in Pleasant Bay. This bay is part of the larger Gulf of Maine. The Gulf of Maine is a large body of water. It is known for its strong tides. These tides cause the water level to change a lot. This is why the islands connect at low tide.
The Town of Addison
The Birch Islands are part of the town of Addison. Addison is a small coastal town. It is located in Washington County, Maine. The town is known for its fishing industry. It also has many beautiful coastal areas.
History of the Islands
The Birch Islands have been part of Maine's landscape for a long time. Maps from the early 1900s show them. For example, a 1904 map from the USGS clearly shows both islands. This map also shows nearby areas like Ripley Neck.
How Islands Are Formed
Islands like Birch Islands are often formed by changes in sea level. Over thousands of years, land can sink or water levels can rise. This leaves higher areas of land surrounded by water. The strong tides in Pleasant Bay also shape the coastline.
