Shooter's Island was a colonial-era hunting preserve that has become a bird's paradise as the waters of New York have steadily become less polluted. At least seven species of wading birds breed here, and forty-three species have been seen on the island. Because of its importance as a habitat and breeding ground for birds, Shooter's Island was assigned to NYC Parks on March 3, 1994 as a bird sanctuary. The island is closed to the public and is only visited by scientists and government employees. The New York Audubon Society is responsible for wildlife research on the island.