Lea/Hutaff Islands
Description: Lea and Hutaff Islands are undeveloped barrier islands, and associated saltmarsh, located between Figure 8 Island and Topsail Island. The islands are now joined following the closure of Old Topsail Inlet. This barrier island is characterized by large, open expanses of bare sand caused by overwash during the hurricanes of 1996, 1998 and 1999. Remnants of primary dunes exist in a few locations along the island. The saltmarsh is a typical tidally flooded saltmarsh and creek system. This barrier island is one of North Carolina's few undisturbed and relatively pristine barrier islands.
Both Lea and Hutaff Islands are privately owned. National Audubon Society and the NC Coastal Land Trust are currently negotiating with landowners to acquire Lea Island. National Audubon posts and patrols tern-skimmer colonies on both islands and monitors birds throughout the year. In migration up to 3,000 shorebirds representing 21 species pass through this site, including 500-1,000 DUNL. Data from NC Audubon IBA. Additional information on species/numbers is needed. With funding for a field tech, NC Audubon could coordinate surveys of this site (Walker Golder).
Lea and Hutaff Islands are typical, undisturbed barrier islands. Open, bare sandy beaches with remnant dunes dominated by Uniola paniculata and Iva imbricata. Extensive overwash fans caused by the hurricanes of 1996-1999 exist over much of the island. Tidally flooded saltmarsh with small, scattered islands and an extensive tidal creek and bay system exist west of the island. Type 1 habitat includes the barrier beach and possibly marsh wrack roosting areas within the tidal creek and bay complex to the west of the island.
Survey Method: This site should be surveyed at high tide by an observer walking the length of the four-mile beach. Access to the beach by boat only.
Selection Bias: No selection bias if the marsh and bay complex to the west of the island is Type 2 habitat. If shorebirds are roosting in the marsh in high densities, then boat surveys in the marsh will be needed to fully cover the Type 1 habitat.
Measurement Error: Unknown.
Measurement Bias: Unknown.
Pilot Studies: Boat surveys in inter-coastal marsh habitat will be needed to determine shorebird use.
Local Contacts: Walker Golder, NC IBA Coordinator, NC Audubon