Bird Island Light facts for kids
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 Bird Island Light
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Sippican Harbor, Marion, Massachusetts |
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| Coordinates | 41°40′9.5″N 70°43′2.4″W / 41.669306°N 70.717333°W |
| Year first constructed | 1819 |
| Year first lit | 1819 |
| Automated | 1997 |
| Deactivated | 1933-1997 |
| Foundation | Surface rock |
| Construction | Rubble stone |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | White |
| Focal height | 37 feet (11 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Characteristic | Fl W 6s |
| Fog signal | Original, pyramidal bell tower, none now |
| ARLHS number | USA-057 |
| USCG number | 1-17105 |
Bird Island Light is a famous old lighthouse located at the entrance to Sippican Harbor in Marion, Massachusetts. It was built way back in 1819. The tower is a great example of how lighthouses were made almost 200 years ago! Because of its history, the tower and the island it stands on were added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 28, 1987.
Contents
What is Bird Island Light?
Bird Island Light helps guide ships into Sippican Harbor. This harbor is a deep bay off Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. The harbor is surrounded by land points called Converse Point and Butler Point. These points are both part of the town of Marion.
Where is Bird Island?
Bird Island is about 0.5 miles (0.80 km) south of Butler Point. It is a small piece of land, about 3 acres (1.2 ha) in size. The island is mostly a safe place for birds to build their nests. The lighthouse stands near the middle of this island.
A Look at the Lighthouse
The lighthouse tower is round and made of stone. It is about 25 feet (7.6 m) tall. The light itself shines from 37 feet (11 m) above the sea. On top of the tower is a special metal room called a lantern house. It has a railing outside and a cone-shaped roof with a vent.
The Lighthouse's Story
The Bird Island Light was first built in 1819. When it was first lit, it also had a stone house attached for the lighthouse keeper. The keeper was the person who lived there and took care of the light.
Early Challenges
Just three months after the light started shining, a big storm hit. It badly damaged the lighthouse. But it was repaired! Later, on September 8, 1869, another storm caused serious damage. Again, the lighthouse was fixed.
Times of Change
The United States Coast Guard stopped using the light in 1933. This meant it was no longer active. In 1938, a huge storm called the 1938 New England hurricane destroyed all the buildings on the island, except for the strong lighthouse tower.
In 1940, the island became private property. Then, in 1966, the Town of Marion bought the island.
Bringing the Light Back
The light was turned on again for a short time in 1976. This happened after a local history group helped fix it up. In 1994, a group called the Bird Island Preservation Society was formed. Thanks to their efforts, the light was officially turned on again on July 4, 1997. Today, it works as a private aid to navigation, helping boats find their way.
Visiting Bird Island
You can visit Bird Island itself. However, you cannot go to the island during May, June, July, and August. This is because it is the nesting season for an endangered bird called the roseate tern. The island needs to be a quiet and safe place for these special birds to raise their young.
