Ever wonder what the islands are as you look out on the ocean from Old Orchard Beach? There are three islands about three miles away comprised of Stratton Island, Little Stratton Island and Bluff Island. They are one of 3166 islands registered by the Maine Coastal Island Registry. It is the cornerstone of the Phineas W. Sprague Memorial Sanctuary and is owned by the National Audubon Society whereby other entities provide financial and logistic support.
The islands are approximately 24 -acres of low wetlands being only 29 feet above sea level. It also has rocky bluffs and sandy beaches along the shore with marshy and grass going inland with a forest dominating the interior of Stratton Island. They offer the perfect place for a nesting habitat for birds that thrive in a wetland environment especially terns and herons.
The tern population at one time in the 1980’s deserted the islands because the Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls population also found the area ideal for nesting their young. In 1986 different projects combined to restore the tern population by using particular methods to displace the gulls. By 2001, the tern population was restored and has flourished ever since.
It truly is a remarkable place according to researchers and volunteers who visit the islands. The Maine Audubon Society used to provide the chance for volunteers to visit but this year they are not offering the opportunity due to unforeseen circumstances.
There is also evidence of human history dating back as far as the 1600’s being a trading post opened by John Stratton. Remnants of the trading post are still visible today by one of largest trees on Stratton Island.
Furthermore, there have been a few shipwrecks off the coast of Old Orchard Beach namely, the Washington B. Thomas in June of 1903.
It was the largest ship to ever wreck off the coast of Maine, having five masts. It was hauling coal and when rough seas arose the captain launched anchor and caught a ledge off of Stratton Island. The crew was rescued but the ship did not go without fatality. The captain’s wife had been hit by a dislodged beam and caused her to go overboard. For many years lobstermen named the area as the “old wreck”.
When you’re looking out into the blue ocean while here at the Alouette now you’ll know what those islands are all about! And we can only hope that volunteer work will open up again as well. To see these islands from a room click here!
