| Gull Point: A Fragile Ecosystem |
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The most dynamic area on Presque Isle, the 319-acre area Gull Point, harbors the best examples of succession in the park. This dynamic area, however, is also the most fragile. To preserve the resources of Gull Point, it has been designated as a natural area.
State park natural areas are set aside to provide locations for scientific observation of natural systems, to protect examples of typical and unique plant and animal communities and to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and beauty. Jutting out into Lake Erie, Gull Point offers a safe haven and resting spot for nesting and migrating birds. It's nationally known as a birding hot spot. During some years, more species of birds have been crammed into this small area than almost anywhere else in the eastern United States. Many species occur nowhere else in Pennsylvania. Shorebirds migrate yearly from beyond the Arctic Circle to the southern reaches of South America and back again. They begin to arrive in April and stop to rest and feed here on their return trip until late November. Water and wading birds and waterfowl live and nest here. Under the right conditions in the spring, impressive waves of migrating hawks and smaller land birds flock through. At least four gull species can be seen year round at least three tern species can be seen in warmer seasons. About 67 acres of Gull Point have been set aside as a special management area in hopes of allowing rare and migratory shorebirds to nest, rest and feed successfully. The special management area is closed to all public use from April 1 through November 30. |
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