Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 and is located along the eastern shore of New Hampshire's Great Bay in the town of Newington. The area was formerly part of weapons storage area at Pease Air Force Base, which was closed in 1991. A variety of rich wildlife habitats from uplands to open waters can be found throughout the refuge.Both Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Karner Blue butterfly easement in Concord, New Hampshire, which protects important habitat for this federally endangered species, are managed by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The refuge has a surface area of 1116acre.Wildlife and habitatWith its open coastal water and abundant prey, the refuge plays a significant role as migration and wintering habitat for the federally protected bald eagle. The bay area also provides prime migration habitat for the peregrine falcon. Many state-protected species use the refuge, including the common loon, pied-billed grebe, osprey, common tern, northern harrier and upland sandpiper. The bay area also serves as New Hampshire's major wintering area for black ducks.