Broadback Island facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ohio River, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 39°22′54″N 81°16′22″W / 39.3817416°N 81.2728926°W |
| Administration | |
Broadback Island is a small, peaceful island located in the Ohio River. It's found in Pleasants County, West Virginia. This island sits right across the water from the city of Belmont, West Virginia. Broadback Island is a special part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It's a fantastic spot for people who love watching birds, especially to see amazing osprey and bald eagles flying by. Sometimes, Broadback Island is also called Second Brother Island, especially when talking about it alongside First Brother Island, which is closer to the Belmont shore.
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Discovering Broadback Island
Broadback Island is a neat place to learn about nature. It's one of many islands in the Ohio River. These islands are important for local wildlife. The island's location makes it easy to spot from the nearby town of Belmont.
Part of a Special Refuge
Broadback Island is not just any island. It's a part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A national wildlife refuge is a protected area. It's set aside by the government to help wild animals and their homes. This refuge helps keep the river's ecosystem healthy. It provides safe places for many different plants and animals to live.
A Haven for Birds
One of the most exciting things about Broadback Island is the birds you can see there. It's a popular spot for bird watchers. They come to look for two very impressive birds:
- Osprey: These are large birds of prey. They are sometimes called "fish hawks" because they mostly eat fish. You might see them diving into the river to catch their meal.
- Bald Eagles: These majestic birds are the national symbol of the United States. They are powerful hunters. Seeing a bald eagle soaring above the island is a truly memorable sight.
The island provides a good resting and hunting ground for these birds. It shows how important small islands can be for wildlife.
The "Brother" Islands
Broadback Island has a nickname: Second Brother Island. This name helps to tell it apart from another nearby island called First Brother Island. First Brother Island is closer to the shore near Belmont. These names are a simple way to identify the islands in the river.
