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The Morton refuge preserves a 1.5 mile-long peninsula that separates Little Peconic and Noyac bays. The refuge is arguably the most picturesque of the Long Island refuges.
Three miles of narrow undeveloped shoreline provide sand and rocky strand habitats. The tip of the peninsula has steep and heavily eroded bluffs approaching 50 feet in height.
Habitats include bay, brackish pond, impoundment, kettle holes, tidal flats, salt marsh, freshwater marsh, upland shrub, grasslands, maritime oak forest, red cedar stands and pioneer hardwoods.
Wildlife is diverse and includes nesting piping plovers, roseate terns, least terns, common terns and numerous songbird species.
The waters surrounding the refuge are considered critical habitat for juvenile Kemp's Ridley sea turtles and are also used by loggerhead sea turtles.
Waterfowl populations are greatest during the colder months and include oldsquaw, white-winged scoter, goldeneye and black ducks. During warmer months, visitors may see rare piping plover and roseate tern on the beach. A section of the beach is closed from April to August to protect nesting birds.
The peninsula also serves as habitat for migratory birds including shorebirds, raptors and songbirds. Other birds include loons, horned grebes, common tern, least tern, osprey, peregrine falcon and northern harrier.
The refuge has one-and-a-half-miles trail winding through a variety of upland habitats and offers a spectacular view of Little Peconic Bay.
Refuge management encourages nature study, bird-watching, hiking, photography and other activities dependent on wildlife.
Fishing for bluefish, striped bass and weakfish is permitted from the beach.
The refuge has a public restroom and an information kiosk.
Outdoor Activities |
