A ceremonial micronation project — not a government website. What this means

A cultural and ceremonial projectThe Davis Islands celebrates British maritime tradition, the heritage of the Bronx and coastal conservation. All titles and offices are honorary.

No claim of sovereigntyThe islands are public parkland in New York City. This project is not a sovereign state, government agency or British Overseas Territory, and is not affiliated with the British Crown or NYC Parks.

The Davis Islands Ceremonial Commonwealth
Map Founding Charter Instagram
Pelham Bay coastal ecosystem

Wildlife & Conservation

Pelham Bay Park is one of New York City’s Important Bird Areas. The islands and the waters around them are part of a coastal ecosystem worth protecting.

A great blue heron standing at the water’s edge
Great blue heron in Central Park. Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
National bird

Great blue herons

The largest heron in North America, the great blue heron hunts fish in shallow water with great patience. Herons are among the birds recorded on the Chimney Sweeps Islands themselves, and they appear as a supporter on the Davis Islands coat of arms.

Adult and juvenile double-crested cormorants perched together
Adult and juvenile double-crested cormorants, Prospect Park. Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
National bird

Double-crested cormorants

Expert divers that chase fish underwater, cormorants are often seen perched with their wings spread to dry. In Pelham Bay Park, cormorants have been recorded off the coast of Twin Island.

Aerial view of Pelham Bay, City Island and Hart Island in Long Island Sound
Pelham Bay, City Island and Hart Island. Photo: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Habitats

Coastal seabirds & migratory habitats

Gulls rest on the islands’ bare rock, while the wider park’s marshes, woodland and shoreline support a remarkable range of birds — up to 264 species have been recorded in Pelham Bay Park. In 1967 the city created the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary, protecting 489 acres.

Grey bedrock boulder beside tall grass and calm water on the Hunter Island shore
Bedrock shore at the northern tip of Hunter Island. Photo: Peter Romano, public domain.
Marine ecosystems

Rock, tide and sound

The bedrock islands and shoreline of the bay meet the tidal waters of western Long Island Sound. Rocky shores, salt marsh and open water each support different life, from shellfish and small fish to the birds that feed on them.

Responsible recreation

Enjoying the islands responsibly

The Chimney Sweeps are public parkland and a resting place for wildlife. If you visit by kayak or boat:

  • Wear a life jacket and check the weather, tides and wind before setting out.
  • Keep a respectful distance from resting and nesting birds; if a bird changes its behaviour, you are too close.
  • Land gently, if at all, and never disturb vegetation or wildlife.
  • Take every piece of litter home with you.
  • Follow NYC Parks rules and U.S. Coast Guard boating guidance.
  • Fly drones only where permitted, and never toward birds.
Environmental preservation

Leave the islands as you found them

The Davis Islands project exists in part to celebrate and draw attention to the natural heritage of Pelham Bay. To learn more about the park, visit NYC Parks — Pelham Bay Park.