In addition to being a vital corridor from Newburyport to Amesbury, this island has a rich and deep history of being a great fishing ground from the earliest humans to today.
It is also a favored spot for spectacular winter ducks as well as eagles to gather in the deep of winter because of the open water usually found here.

This small area can be remarkably productive, especially if visited year round. In the cold season, when northern waters are frozen and the Merrimack River is still flowing, this is an excellent place to find wintering ducks and loons.
In summer, it is the go-to place to find a pair of uncommon swallows.

Birds of Special Interest

• Cliff Swallow

• Northern Rough-winged Swallow

The Cliff Swallow can be a difficult bird to find, but it nests here under the Chain Bridge. After parking in the lot, walk down the north (left) side near the bridge and with a little patience the swallow should fly out. At the same time, keep a lookout for its Rough-winged relative.

• Bald Eagle

From the tip of the island, Bald Eagle is commonly seen flying or perched in the trees that line the river. The eagles are present all year, but especially evident in fall  and winter. There is an eagle nest a mile or so up river, so keep an eye out for juveniles in their dingy, less spectacular, attire.

• Winter Ducks

This is a good place from which to scan the river for waterfowl. Greater and Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Deck, Bufflehead, Hooded, Common  and Red-breasted Mergansers, and Goldeneyes, including an occasional Barrow's, are seen here. Also in winter, Great Cormorants may float by (Double-crested Cormorants in spring and summer) and Kingfishers can occasionally be seen making their rounds.

BE CAREFUL. The River is dangerous with strong currents and undertow. There have been drownings here so keep out of the water and watch your children.