Wetland Birds
The tidal marshes of Alabama feed a rich bird community. The newly created salt marsh is a prime feeding habitat for herons, egrets, pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and blackbirds. As the arch matures, the diversity and abundance of birds will increase.
At least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
The marsh at low tide brings sandpipers moving in unison across the wet sand areas.
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), American Egret (Casmerodius albus), Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias)
The Snowy Egret, American Egret, and Great Blue Heron feed on fish and invertebrates from the marsh.
Least Tern (Sterna antillarum)
The open sand dune area provides primary nesting sites for the Least Tern, which have been threatened with habitat loss.
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Old pilings in the water provide a resting site for Southern Brown Pelicans, which once were near extinction in this area.
Ruddy Turnstone(Arenaria interpres)
Cruising along the rock is the Ruddy Turnstone. This bird turns over oysters and clam shells in search of food.
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Gifted with a graceful wing beat and beautiful coloration, the Black Skimmer grazes along the surface of the water in search of fish.
The large (Phragmites) to the East of the marsh are utilized for nesting by Red-Winged Blackbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles.
Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
|
No comments:
Post a Comment