Little Calf Island facts for kids

Little Calf Island is a small, rocky island located in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. It sits about 9 miles away from downtown Boston, Massachusetts. This island is quite unique because it has almost no plants growing on it and no one has ever lived there permanently.

Little Calf Island is a very important place for many gulls and cormorants. These birds use the island as a safe spot to build their nests and raise their young, especially during their nesting season. Because the birds are protecting their nests and chicks, they can sometimes act aggressively towards visitors. For this reason, and to keep the birds safe, people are generally discouraged from visiting the island. If you want to see it, you can only get there by private boat.

Discovering Little Calf Island

Little Calf Island is one of many islands that make up the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. This special park protects many islands and their natural environments. Little Calf Island is known for being small and very rocky. It does not have many trees or large plants. This makes it a different kind of home for wildlife compared to islands with lots of green spaces.

A Home for Birds

Even though Little Calf Island is small and rocky, it is a very important home for many birds. It provides a quiet and safe place away from people and predators. This makes it perfect for birds to raise their families.

Gulls and Cormorants

Two main types of birds love to nest on Little Calf Island: gulls and cormorants.

• Gulls are common seabirds often seen near coasts. They are known for their loud calls and their ability to find food in many different places.
• Cormorants are diving birds that are excellent swimmers. They have long necks and dark feathers. They often sit with their wings spread out to dry after diving for fish.

Nesting Season and Reproduction

During the spring and summer, Little Calf Island becomes a busy nursery for these birds. This time is called the nesting season. Birds build their nests, lay their eggs, and then care for their baby chicks. It is a very important time for their life cycle. Because the birds are focused on protecting their young, they can become very protective of their nests. If people get too close, the birds might try to scare them away.

Visiting the Island

Little Calf Island is not easy to visit, and most people are asked to stay away. This is mainly to protect the birds that live there.

Why Access is Limited

Access to Little Calf Island is only possible by private boat. There are no public ferries or tours that go to the island. Even if you have a private boat, visiting is discouraged. This is because:

• Bird Protection: Getting too close to nesting birds can disturb them. This might cause them to abandon their nests or make their chicks unsafe.
• Safety: The aggressive behavior of nesting birds can be a safety concern for people visiting the island.
• Fragile Environment: The island's rocky environment is delicate. Too many visitors could harm the natural habitat that the birds rely on.

By limiting human access, Little Calf Island remains a peaceful and safe sanctuary for its important bird populations.