|
Birds of open country (prairies and tundra) do not like to have
their horizons hemmed in by trees, hence the scarcity of large trees
in the plantings along this trail. Gradual shorelines are equally
vital to these birds because they provide the plants and small
animals of shores and shallows used as food.
WATERFOWL: Ducks, geese, coots and grebes like open edges for
flight lanes, for ease of take off, and for observing their enemies.
Watch the ducks coming or leaving to see how they circle about and
settle in large geometric patterns which require almost all of the
treeless playing field space. Natural gradual lowering of the water
level in summer favors the growth along gradual shores and on old
rat houses of smartweeds and water plants on which ducks feed.
Shallow water allows ducks to dabble on the bottom for waterweeds,
clams, and dragonfly nymphs.
SHOREBIRDS: Sandpipers and plovers, likewise gregarious
flocking species, need similar open space for their exquisite
maneuverings as all members of the flock turn suddenly, with precise
timing, this way and that, faster than blackbirds and far faster
than ducks or geese, Small water level changes expose shallows and
mud flats for feeding on seeds or insects by these wading birds. But
only a very gradual slope on the shoreline will have a wide enough
band of mud and shallow water to satisfy the shorebirds. We may have
to modify the grades further as well as mow the ranker upland weeds
in places to satisfy them. Shallower grades will promote low marsh
vegetation and hinder invasion of the edges by shrubs or tall weeds.
Two shorebirds - killdeer and spotted sandpiper - nest locally as
well as feed on mud flats, sand, gravel, meadows, and fields. A
succession of yellowlegs, dunlins, dowitchers, curlews, godwits,
phalaropes and many others can be expected to stop briefly on their
way to and from the Arctic.
Caution: To see ducks and shorebirds always look far ahead as
you stroll quietly along. Pause frequently and scan the marsh. When
you spot birds, stalk them with great care so as to get closer
without flushing them.
|
