Hay Island (Queensland) facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern Australia |
| Coordinates | 13°40′12″S 143°41′31″E / 13.670°S 143.692°E |
| Area | 0.42 km2 (0.16 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
| State | Queensland |
Hay Island is a tiny island in Queensland, Australia. It is a type of island called a coral cay. This means it was formed from coral and sand. Hay Island is part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is located west of Cape Melville and east of a town called Coen.
This small island is also part of a group of islands known as the Claremont Isles. Hay Island is about 42 hectares in size, which is like 42 football fields! It's a very important place for many birds.
Contents
What is Hay Island?
Hay Island is a small piece of land that rose from the ocean. It is made up of coral fragments and sand. These pieces were carried by ocean currents over a very long time. This type of island is called a "cay." Cays are often low and flat. They are found in tropical waters.
Location in Australia
Hay Island is located in the northern part of Queensland, Australia. It sits in the Coral Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean. The island is found within the huge Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a very special place.
Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Hay Island is inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This park is a protected area. It helps to keep the coral reefs and marine life safe. The park covers a massive area of the ocean. It is home to thousands of different animals and plants. Protecting places like Hay Island helps keep the whole reef healthy.
Why is Hay Island Important for Birds?
Hay Island is a very important place for many types of birds. It is part of the Islands North of Port Stewart Important Bird Area. This means that many birds come here to nest and raise their young. They find safety and food on and around the island.
A Safe Home for Birds
Many seabirds need quiet, safe places to build their nests. Islands like Hay Island are perfect because they are often free from predators that live on larger landmasses. Birds can lay their eggs and raise their chicks without much disturbance. This helps bird populations grow.
Types of Birds You Might Find
While the text doesn't list specific birds, many seabirds visit islands in the Great Barrier Reef. These can include terns, boobies, and frigatebirds. They often fly long distances to feed in the ocean. Then they return to the island to rest and nest. The island's plants and surrounding waters provide food for these birds.
Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth. It stretches for over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles). It is so big that you can even see it from space! The reef is made up of billions of tiny living organisms called coral polyps.
Coral Reefs and Marine Life
Coral reefs are like underwater cities. They provide homes and food for countless marine animals. You can find colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and many other creatures living in the reef. The health of small islands like Hay Island is important for the entire reef ecosystem.
Protecting Our Oceans
Protecting places like Hay Island and the Great Barrier Reef is very important. It helps to keep the ocean healthy for future generations. Scientists and park rangers work hard to study and protect these special areas. They monitor the coral and the animals that live there.
