Sarah Island

white and black birds sit on branches and in nests atop leave-less trees
A bird colony on Sarah Island.

NPS Photo/R. Vincent

This island's ledges, beaches, and mudflats make the ideal nesting place for gulls.

As one of the four islands operated by the Town of Hingham, Sarah Island is a popular place for birdwatching. Moorings are available through reservation with the Hingham Harbormaster, though visitation during nesting season is strongly discouraged.

 

General Information

This island of Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is managed by the Town of Hingham.

 

Visitor Facilities & Services

Hours:
Piers/Docks:
 No
Visitor season:
 0
Boat slips:
 0
Visitor staff:
 No
Moorings:
 0
Guided tours:
 No
Park boats:
 None
Lifeguards:
 No
Car access:
 No
Flush toilets:
 No
Campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0
Composting toilets:
 No
Group campsites:
 0 (capacity ea: 0)
Picnic areas:
 No
Camping capacity:
 0
Refreshments:
 No
Cooking grills:
 No
Drinking water:
 Yes
Walking trails:
 No

On-island Circulation: Unimproved trails.

Visitor Cautions: Resident birds are very territorial during nesting: visitation is discouraged during this season.

 

Short History

Prior to European settler colonization, Indigenous peoples likely accessed this island seasonally. Colonists probably removed trees for firewood. The island was also known as "Sailor's or Sayles's" Island prior to its purchase by John Langlee in 1686. Later it was purchased by John R. Brewer, passed to his children, and then given to the town of Hingham by a descendent.

 

Natural History Overview

Vegetation

An 1893 account The History of Hingham describes the vegetation on the island as "clothed with sumacs and other shrubs." The island now supports many mature trees including maples, oak, linden, elm, cedar, hackberry, black cherry, buckthorn, and sumac. Several dead trees serve as popular roosting spots for birds, one large tree is favored by cormorants while another is occupied by white egrets. Seagulls occupy every other tree, shrub, and ledge. Shrubs species are typical of other islands.

Wildlife

Please see Animals page for more information.

Geology

The island is composed of large outcroppings and ledges of Roxbury Puddingstone as well as glacial till that rises to an elevation of 30 feet. On the southern side ledges drop into the water, while the northern side contains sections of sand beach, boulders, and mudflats with salt grass.

Water Features

None.

Views and Vistas

Views from Sarah are of the surrounding islands and mainland areas including Langlee, Ragged, and Button Islands, as well as Worlds End and Hingham Harbor.

 

Structures

Last updated: November 30, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
21 Second Ave
Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 223-8666

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