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Partridge Island has an
unexpected amount of wildlife and plant life living along its shores and on the
land. However, in the winter, there is not much life to be seen. Occasionally
an owl can be seen, but usually only Great Black-backed gulls, megansers,
crows, and starlings reside there during these cold months.
The spring is a wonderful site to see on the island. Many birds have been
spotted during the spring migration. Some remain only for a few days to rest
and feed, while others remain to breed. Other animals that live on the island
include muskrats, raccoon, beaver, mink, river otter, and an occasional coyote.
No reptiles have been found and there is only one amphibian, the Red-backed
Salamander, living there.
Since the Quarantine Station closed in 1941, and military operations ceased in
1947, plant life has thrived on Partridge Island. Disturbed areas, old ruins
and foundations have been invaded and colonized by some plant species and, in
turn, succeeded by others.
On the island you can find rhodora and
coltsfoot flowers, lilacs, buttercups, starflowers, bunchberries, and Mountain
Wood Ferns, as well as hundreds of other beautiful flowers. There are alders,
elderberry, Mountain Ash, Grey Birch, and Trembling Aspens, but only one oak
tree has been found.
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Brunswick Community College - Saint John.