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Iona Island National Estuarine Sanctuary

Stony Point, Rockland Co.

Iona island from the air, a hawk and a wood duck
Watchable wildlife binoculars icon

Waterfowl are a major attraction in this 6,000-year-old tidal marsh.
The highlight of a winter visit is seeing bald eagles roosting in treetops,
perched on the ice or soaring overhead, attracted by the open water and plentiful fish.

Wildlife to Watch

  • Waterfowl, including mute swans, Canada geese and mallards
  • Bald eagles
  • Smaller birds, including swamp sparrow, marsh wren, willow flycatcher, common yellow throat, and the least bittern, a tiny species of heron
  • Muskrat and mink
  • Snapping turtles

Where to Watch

  • Tidal creeks
  • Mudflats
  • Marshes

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking

Size

556 acres

Directions

See Google Maps for step by step directions to Iona Island (This link will leave the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open a page in a new window)

Contact Information

Telephone: Hudson River Research Reserve: 845-889-4745
Website: Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Photo Credits: Iona Island National Estuarine Sanctuary, Jim Clayton, Paul T. Schnell