Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1992 and is located along the eastern shore of New Hampshire's Great Bay in the town of Newington. A variety of rich wildlife habitats from uplands to open waters can be found throughout the refuge. With 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. Great Bay NWR also manages the Karner blue butterfly easement in Concord, New Hampshire, that protects important habitat for this federally endangered species.