Sampsons Island facts for kids

Sampsons Island is a special place in Barnstable, Massachusetts. It's a small, wild island that's about 15 acres (or 6 hectares) big. You can find it right at the entrance of Cotuit Harbor. This island is not lived on by people and hasn't been developed, meaning it's kept in its natural state.

The island is also known as the Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary, managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. It's part of a larger natural system of beaches and islands called the Sampsons Island/Dead Neck Island barrier beach system. Because it's a wildlife sanctuary, it's a safe home for many animals, especially birds. You can only get to Sampsons Island by private boat. People visit it for fun, to see wildlife, and to help protect nature.

Discover Sampsons Island

Sampsons Island is a type of landform called a barrier island. Think of it like a natural wall that protects the coastline. Sampsons Island and Dead Neck Island work together to shield Cotuit Harbor and the nearby shore from strong waves and storms. This protection is super important for keeping the harbor safe and preventing erosion.

A Home for Birds

Sampsons Island is a very important spot for birds. It's a special nesting place for several types of shorebirds. These include the piping plover, the least tern, and the common tern. Many other shore birds also live here. Because so many important birds use the island, it has been named an Important Bird Area. This means it's recognized globally as a critical habitat for bird populations.

Protecting Nesting Birds

To make sure the birds can nest safely and raise their young, access to Sampsons Island is limited during nesting season. This helps protect the fragile eggs and baby birds from being disturbed. It's a way to ensure these amazing birds can continue to thrive and return to the island year after year.