Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

The Stewart B. McKinney refuge protects eight sites in coastal Connecticut, including five island and three coastline locations.

Located in the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge provides important resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, shorebirds, songbirds and terns, including the endangered roseate tern.

Adjacent waters serve as wintering habitat for brant, scoters, American black duck and other waterfowl. Overall, the refuge encompasses over 800 acres of barrier beach, tidal wetland and fragile island habitats.

Salt Meadow Unit, in Westbrook, and Falkner Island Unit, three miles off the coast of Guilford, have both been designated as "Important Bird Areas" by the National Audubon Society.

The Falkner Island Unit is home to over 124 pairs of nesting federally-endangered roseate terns and 3,000 nesting pairs of common terns. The Salt Meadow Unit is used by more than 280 species of migrating neotropical birds during the spring and fall migrations.

The Milford Point unit is located 14 miles southwest of New Haven in Milford. This is one of the few nesting areas for the least tern and the threatened piping plover. Wading birds, including the great blue heron, are also found at the refuge.

The Salt Meadows unit in Westbrook, site of the refuge headquarters, is known as a prime nesting spot for songbirds. The third mainland unit is Stratford Great Meadows, where public uses are planned.

A fully-accessible, self-guided Island Ethics trail is available on the Sheffield Island Unit. This trail explores the history of the island and the importance of island habitats. A tour of the island's historic lighthouse, owned and managed by Norwalk Seaport Association, is available to visitors. A ferry to the island leaves from Hope Dock May through September.

Portions of the refuge are closed during specified times to protect nesting birds. Contact the refuge office for details.