Alabama Coastal Connection, Wetland Birds, Dunes, Barrier Islands & Butterflies

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)

Barrier Islands

Shaped by Wind and Water

Sea levels began rising 18-20,000 years ago, moving sandbars toward the mainland. The rate of rise slowed 6,000 years ago, allowing the sandbar to emerge as the present barrier islands. 

The dune land plants stabilize the wind-blown sands, building ridges and mounds called dunes in the highest areas of the beach, dunes are very important because as a storm attacks a beach, water and gravity roll the sand downhill away from the dunes. 

This builds up an offshore sandbar, absorbing energy from the waves of the storm and protecting what is left of the beaches and dune lands. 

After the storm, the offshore bar provides sand for rebuilding the beach. 

Barrier islands perform two functions:

1. Barrier islands protect the mainland from erosion by absorbing much of a storm’s energy. 
2. Barrier islands trap a mixture of fresh and salty Gulf waters, contributing to the formation of estuaries. Coastal seafood species are dependent upon the abundant food and brackish water habitat the estuarine environment provides

Alabama Coastal Connection

Dune Plants survive in a harsh environment.

Adaptation allows plants to survive salt and freshwater flooding, extreme high and low temperatures, and hurricane-force winds. 

These plants reproduce from cuttings created by storms and wave action. They all rebuild the beach and dune system by trapping wind-b town sand. 

Sea Rocket (Cakile constricts)

A common succulent found just above the high tide line, Sea Rocket has thick fleshy leaves to help conserve water.

Large leaf Pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis)

A creeping perennial that spreads by far-reaching underground stems, Pennywort grows to about 6 inches tall and has clusters of tiny white or pale-green flowers on a 3-inch stem. 

Coastal Panicgrass (Panicum amarulum)

A dense, upright perennial bunchgrass, Panicgrass helps anchor the shifting sands with deeply buried root systems.

Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata)

As the most important and widespread grass on southern coastal dunes, the Sea Oats' recovery following storm impact is the first step in dune rebuilding. 

Morning Glory (Ipomoea stolonifera)

This vine, with trumpet-shaped, white flowers, grows low to the ground, escaping the killing effects of salt spray. The stems may extend over the sand surface for 30 to 50 feet. 

Butterflies of Dauphin Island 

Dauphin Island Environment Marine

Energy from the Sands of Time

ExxonMobil, one of many oil companies operating in Alabama waters, operates the platform east of Dauphin Island. These platforms extract natural gas (methane), a clean-burning petroleum product. The platform lies in 11 feet of water, dripping operations to depths of over 20,000 feet. Once natural gas is found and brought to the surface, it is transferred via an underwater pipeline to processing plants on the mainland. 

These photographs demonstrate the porous quality of millions of-year-old sandstone. Ten percent of the sandstone's volume is natural gas compressed within it. 

Pores to a pressure between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds per square inch. 

The natural gas field found within Mobile Bay and the Alabama Water is the largest field discovered in the continental United States. Concerned citizens, scientists, and state regulators worked with the oil companies to implement an environmentally safe, clean operation with a zero-discharge policy. This policy prohibits the discharge of drilling fluids, petroleum products, and treated sewage from the platform into state waters. Instead, these materials are offloaded and taken to the mainland for proper disposal. 

Mr. Sand and his friends Part II

The grains collect and grow into dunes. Even as they grow, they move as the wind blows them. 

Shifting and growing, the dunes stabilize once dune grasses, like sea oats, start sprouting. The plant's roots help anchor them, encouraging further dune growth. And the more due growth, the more plant growth —- a friendly relationship.

These stabilized dunes attract even more plants, like wax myrtle, yucca, and, eventually, the majestic live oak. 

These rooting plants add moisture and shelter and promote even more plant colonization. 

More and more animals are attracted to plant growth, from plant-eating insects to insect-eating beach mice to owls, hawks, and raccoons.

Thriving with plant life, a dune will continue to grow. 

But the bigger it gets, the more exposed it becomes to aeolian (wind) and marine (water) forces, like erosion. 

Mr. Sand and his friends, Park III

During autumn and winter storms, sand is blown offshore. Someday, it will be carried back onshore to build new dunes. 

So, as the seasons change, do the dunes. With gentle wind and waves, sand heaps onshore in the spring, forming new dunes. In the summer, sea oats and plants help them grow. In the stormy winter, the dunes erode (wear down).

Susceptible to strong onshore winds, Mr. Sand and his friends tend to move inland, covering everything in their path. 

We must help Mr. Sand and his friends by not walking or driving on the dunes. Many places have boardwalks built over the dunes and plants to protect them. 

Sand fences, like boardwalks, are another way of protecting dunes. They serve as obstructions so the grains can collect and form new dunes. Planting grasses like sea oats can also help in exposed areas and along pathways. 

These conservation practices can only help if we cooperate. Mr. Sand and his friends, along with the forces of nature, form dunes and beaches for you to enjoy. 

Let's take care of them in the future. 

Mr. Sand and his friends Part I

Come let Mr. Sand guide you through the life of a dune. Learn how to protect the sand dunes, Mr. Sand, and his friends who live with him. 

Once upon a time, about 250 million years ago, bedrock was formed. The hot molten rock formed granite and emerged as the Appalachian Mountains. As the granite and other rocks eroded from the mountains, they formed grains of sand. This sand washed down to the Gulf of Mexico and was deposited onto beaches and dunes now underwater. 

Waves and currents washed Mr. Sand away from these old deposits, and he and his friends moved onto the beaches we see now. 

The more Mr. Sand and his friends wash along the beach, the more they wear down. They become rounder and more uniform in size and texture. 

Away from the mainland, underwater mountains of sand grow grain by grain, becoming "offshore bars." Some can grow so much they emerge above sea level and become "barrier islands." 

Dry grains of sand are susceptible to wind, drifting until the wind speed drops.

Once Mr. Sand and his friends land, they collect on the "lee," or sheltered side of obstacles along their flight path.

Marine Debris: A Silent Killer

Marine debris Timeline

What is marine debris?

Marine debris is the name for trash that litter our coasts and oceans.

It includes all the objects found in marine and coastal environments that do not naturally occur there. Marine debris is not only a hazard to ships, divers, and beachgoers but also creates a serious threat to our precious marine life. 

Marine debris consists of articles made by people and deliberately discarded or accidentally lost. In most cases, it results from careless handling or disposal of solid waste items, including liquid waste containers; it can also be materials lost at sea in bad weather, like fishing gear and cargo.

Marine debris consists mostly of snowy, degradable waste made of persistent materials such as plastic, polystyrene, metals, and glass from a wide variety of different sources.

(thrown or lost into the sea): brought indirectly to the sea with rivers, sewage, stormwater, or winds, which are left by people on beaches and shores. 

Where is marine debris found:

. Marine debris is found everywhere worldwide, in marine and coastal environments.

.Marine debris can be blown around and is found floating on the water's surface. Almost 90% of floating marine debris is plastic. 

. Marine debris is mixed in the water column, from the surface to the bottom of the ocean.

.Marine debris is found on the seabed. As much as 70% of all marine debris sinks to the bottom of the seabed, both in shallow coastal areas and deeper parts of the ocean. 

.Marine debris is found lying on beaches and shores. 

How does marine debris harm wildlife?

. Entanglement 

Common items like fishing lines, strapping bands, and six-pack rings can hamper marine animals' movement. Once entangled, animals have trouble eating, breathing, or swimming, all of which can have fatal results. Plastics take hundreds of years to break down and may continue to trap and kill animals year after year. Smaller marine creatures get stuck inside plastic and glass containers to die slowly. 

Ingestion

Birds, fish, and mammals often mistake plastic for food. Some birds even feed it to their young. With plastic filling their stomachs, animals have a false feeling of being full and may die of starvation. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods. Due to its durability, buoyancy, and ability to absorb and concentrate toxins present in the ocean, plastic is especially harmful to marine life. 

Other threats to wildlife 

The seabed is smothered, toxic substances accumulate and disperse, environmental changes are caused by invasive species, and habitat disturbances are caused by mechanical cleaning of marine debris. 

How does marine debris harm people?

.Contamination of the beaches and harbors creates health hazards to people

.Marine debris also endangers the safety and livelihood of fishermen and recreational boaters. Nets and monofilament fishing lines obstruct propellers, and plastic sheeting and bags block cooling intakes. 

Where am I?

Dauphin Island is at the junction of Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is the easternmost in a series of changing barrier islands that form the southern boundary of Mississippi Sound. 

Mobile Bay is 53 kilometers (35 mi) long, 16 kilometers (10 mi) wide, and averages 3 meters (10ft) deep. It is a drowned river valley that was once deeper and extended farther north. About 6,000 years ago, the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta formed as Mobile Bay became broader and shallower. Mobile Bay has the seventh-largest river discharge in North America (219 to 13,977 cubic meters per second or 5 to 322 billion gallons per day) and is the third-largest in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Most ocean waters that enter the Gulf of Mexico come through the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba. 

These waters form circling currents that move across the continental shelf and mix with the freshwater from the land. The water exits the Gulf of Mexico through the Straits of Florida between Florida and Cuba. 

Life in a Salt Marsh

A real partnership 

Black needle rush and smooth cordgrass areCordgrasst grasslike plants of Coastal Alabama salt marshes. They provide oxygen to organisms that live below the salt marsh surface and refuge for many animals. 

Decomposing plant matter in an environment without oxygen produces the "rotten egg" odor familiar to marshes. However, Cordgrass and Needlerush root systems are spongy and porous, allowing oxygen into the waterlogged soil. This will enable organisms below the surface of the marsh to survive. 

Fiddler Crab (Uca  spp) 

Fiddler Crabs and other small mud crabs burrow into the marsh surface, feeding on the plant matter. Their aquatic larval stages contribute significantly to the food chain.

Smooth Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)

Smooth Cordgrass forCordgrasser along the edge of the open water, below the average high tide line. Cordgrass has flattened leaves and a light green color. 

Black Needlerush (Juncus roemerianus)

The Black Needlerush comprises the largest vegetated zone of Alabama's salt marshes and is near and above the average high tide line. 

Needlerush leaves are round with pointed tips. 

Marsh Periwinkle (Littorina irrorata)

The Marsh Periwinkle is a small snail that inhabits shallow bays, ponds, and tidal marshes. It is often seen climbing Spartina stalks to feed on algae and avoid predators. 

Ribbed Mussel (Geukensia demissa)

The Ribbed Mussel attaches to mature plants at the mud surface and hardens the marsh, helping it resist erosion. These mussels filter a gallon of seawater an hour for food, fertilize the marsh with their waste, and are food for crabs, birds, and mammals. 

2006 June's Adventures Lora's Journal

Sunday, June 18, 2006

We arrived in Florida early. The Welcome Center was beautiful. I love Palm Trees and other tropical plants. We were all very sleepy. We checked into RMH at 7:45 A.M. 

(They had three beanie babies on the bed for them.)

We ended up at Arnold Palmer Hospital because Meadow continued to vomit and did not feel well. Marcus also got an ant bite; his left foot swelled on top and got puffy. The doctor decided not to admit Meadow. He told me that I should bring her back if she did not get better. She had Ketones 4 in her urine. She also had a very low CO2 (8?). Marcus got a dose of Clindamycin & an RX.

We also gave him Benadryl. That concluded our first day in FL. Pokie had to check out the hospital facilities to ensure they were suitable.

Clindamycin is used to treat bacterial infections. It may be given to patients who have had an allergic reaction to penicillin. However, it will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Monday, June 19, 2006

We met Roberta, her PT, on our first day at Ability & their Meadow. She is very good with Meadow. Meadow fussed a lot when placed in a position she did not like. She looked so cute in the little suit! We got some pictures. We went to Steak & Shake for lunch. It was our first day at Dr. Bradstreet's office for HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow. She got in the soft tank. They gave her Baby Einstein DVDs to watch. She fell fast asleep. However, I thought my head was going to explode. My ears started stopping up, and pressure shot like a sharp pin down behind my ears and neck. I got on the walkie-talkie and said, "How long will this pain last?" She told me to hold my nose and blow. The pressure was not relieved. Then I got hot and felt like I was having a panic attack. She told me to face toward the end where the air was blowing, and once it was fully pressurized, the pain should stop. When it was fully pressurized, I felt better. I laid my head and took the best nap I have had in a long time. In the afternoon, we went back to the RMH and had supper. We ate vita, salad, & brownies. The kids played in the playroom, and we went to sleep. We went to Melbourne Beach after Therapy. TTherapy loved the ocean. They played in the waves and sand. Madison found some seashells. Meadow liked the water, too. The kids got more beanie babies.

Meadow suited up for Therapy.

Therapy, June 20, 2006

Madison woke up vomiting. She slept all morning. We went to Therapy. MTherapyas is much better today and more tolerant of the treatment. STherapys to jump in the spider. Marcus and I boxed with Hulk gloves. Madison lay on the floor on Elmo's mat and slept. Mom got in the HBOT Chamber with Meadow. I slept on the couch in the playroom with Madison. AA little boy jumped up on me while I was asleep, and I thought it was Bucko! We went to RMH after all therapy beTherapyadison was sick. The Belles & Beaus of the Chiropractic Club of Orlando had a Hawaiian lei feast with chicken curry rice, salad, fruit delight, and a veggie tray. Delaney took Marcus for a ride in her wheelchair at the RMH.

Kids enjoying the waves at Melbourne Beach 

Meadow's second day of Therapy

WeTherapy, June 21, 2006

Madison felt better this morning. 

 We took Meadow to their suit therapy. Marcus played on the game cube. We went to lunch at Olive Garden. We then went to HBOT. I got in the chamber with Meadow and took a nap. I still felt the pressure. I was not as anxious this time because I knew what to expect. We went to Andretti Thrill Park and rode on the go-karts. This man took us on a train ride. I did not think he was ever going to stop! We rode the bumper boats again; Marcus rode with a teenage girl, and Madison rode with a teenage boy! We had fun. Marcus played a game where he shot a rifle, and a butt popped up with blue jeans on, but you could see his crack! It was hot outside. The kids are making friends at RMH.

Day three of Therapy

ThTherapy June 22, 2006

 Today at Suit Therapy, Meadow was cranky. She woke up early this morning. Zach is the other child getting her PT. She is from Holland. Zach is autistic. He is seven years old. Afttreatmentapy, wTherapyto an authentic Italian Restaurant. We ordered a pizza with spinach, mushrooms, and Pepperonis. Granny went into the chamber with Meadow today, and Madison talked to Granny about the walkie-talkie. 

 After HBOT, we went to Dixie Stampede. We got there early and went through the horse stables. There was a white horse with spots and a big albino horse. Then we went inside. The lobby had a huge painting with a big buffalo and horses. Then we went to the carriage room. Mrs. Dixie played it again, and Sam performed. There was a magic show, too. In the main arena, we had a huge dinner. Madison and Marcus got a call (Meadow was announced up) to the arena for the Northside to chase chickens. Bucko was the first one to make it. They both got ribbons and medallions. After the show, the cast called us for a VIP meeting for pictures. The girls all wanted to hold Meadow. We went into the center arena and took pictures. One of the crewmembers gave the kids coloring books. The host gave Meadow a ribbon-like Maddie & Buckoes. They told me they would mail us a picture, and they would all sign it. We had a good time!

Day at Therapy

Madison and Marcus at Dixie Stampede

The picture with the Dixie Stampede Group

Friday, June 23, 2006

 Meadow was worn out after her first week of Therapy. WTherapyto Winter Park and watched a live Marionette performance of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" The owner of the Marionette Theaters was the man that played Howdy Duty and Bozo the Clown. We met them both. The show was good, and we sat right up front. 

 Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater 

 A non-profit organization 

 Presents 

ALADDIN and the Wonderful Lamp 

Book and lyrics by David Eaton 

June 3, through Aug 26, 2006

525 S. Semoran Blvd. Winter Park Florida 

www.Pinocchios.net

Aladdin with Lora and Meadow 

Saturday, June 24, 2006

We went to the Orlando Science Museum and spent the entire day. 

 It had six floors. The first floor had a nature center with alligators and turtles. It also had Kids Town (hands-on). We watched three Cinedome IMAX movies: Wild Safari, Greece, and Star Quest. We went inside Hugh's mouth and walked through the walls of the digestive system. We went through the Dinosaur Center. There was a center with monster heads, electricity, and a space center. Then we went to the top, where there was a planetarium. It was a fun day.

Lora, Meadow, Marcus, and Madison at RMH

Science Center Going through the Digestive System 

Sunday, June 25, 2006

 We went to Gatorland. There were alligators and crocodiles all around, big, small, and babies. Madison and Bucky held an alligator and a python snake. They had their picture taken while holding them. We watched Gator Wrestling, Later Jumparoo, and Close Encounters. We rode the train through the swamp area. There were all kinds of large birds nesting and alligators nesting. It started pouring rain.

Marcus holding an alligator at Gator Land.