Wildlife on Found on Manresa Island

Essentially, the Manresa site has been used by humans in a very limited capacity for the past 10 years. As a result, wildlife has moved in and thrived. This proposed project would not only disrupt wildlife that has made their way back from the endangered species list: Bald Eagles, Osprey, Mink, as well as Diamondback Terrapin ( who crawl to the shores and cross the streets to lay eggs). The deer on site and surrounding areas are currently being studied by CT DEEP and CAES for the Lone Star Tick influx. Thoughts are that construction would drive this infestation beyond the Manresa Peninsula.

Mink found on Manresa Island, Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Mink found on Manresa Island, Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Pair of Eagles looking at Manresa. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark)

Pair of Eagles looking at Manresa. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark)

Osprey and chicks located on Manresa Island, Norwalk, CT. Photo courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Osprey and chicks located on Manresa Island, Norwalk, CT. Photo courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Diamondback Terrapin Crossing Longshore Avenue in Norwalk. Photo courtesy Jennifer Butler

Diamondback Terrapin Crossing Longshore Avenue in Norwalk. Photo courtesy Jennifer Butler

Diamondback Terrapins (listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable: “facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future”) crawl out of the salt marsh surrounding Manresa Peninsula to lay eggs. In the Spring and Summer months they can

Diamondback Terrapins (listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable: “facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future”) crawl out of the salt marsh surrounding Manresa Peninsula to lay eggs. In the Spring and Summer months they can be found crossing Longshore Avenue, the only route off of Manresa Peninusla. Motorists are warned to look out for these turtles, as they can often get hit.

Diamondback Terrapins swimming at Manresa Island Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark) More on Diamondback Terrapin here:

Diamondback Terrapins swimming at Manresa Island Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark) More on Diamondback Terrapin here:

Bald Eagle Near Manresa Island, Norwalk,CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Bald Eagle Near Manresa Island, Norwalk,CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta: @gthomasclark)

Yellow Crowned Night Herons photographed on the Manresa peninsula . Photo courtesy of Jason Farrow.

Yellow Crowned Night Herons photographed on the Manresa peninsula . Photo courtesy of Jason Farrow.

Juvenile Osprey at the Manresa Power Plant Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark)

Juvenile Osprey at the Manresa Power Plant Norwalk, CT. Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark (Insta:@gthomasclark)

Osprey chick nested on the large piling at the Manresa Island dock entrance. Photographed from water in Summer 2021 (Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark INSTA: @gthomasclark)

Osprey chick nested on the large piling at the Manresa Island dock entrance. Photographed from water in Summer 2021 (Photo Courtesy of Tom Clark INSTA: @gthomasclark)

The Lone Star tick was discovered on Manresa Peninsula in the recent past. Photo was taken bythe CT Department of Environmental Protection. Article citing this Lone Star Infestation, can be found by clicking photo above.

The Lone Star tick was discovered on Manresa Peninsula in the recent past. Photo was taken bythe CT Department of Environmental Protection. Article citing this Lone Star Infestation, can be found by clicking photo above.