Mudflats & tidal salt
Where the river meets the sea, the mudflats feed enormous numbers of waders. Sandpipers and plovers work the tideline, oystercatchers prise shellfish from the rocks, and pelicans and gulls patrol the open water beyond.
34 dispatches filed under this habitat
North Carolina hosts six regularly-occurring owl species across the Blue Ridge, Piedmont and coastal plain. Great Horned, Barred, Eastern Screech, and Barn are the four you'll genuinely encounter; Short-eared and Northern Saw-whet appear seasonally. Here's where to find each, and how to identify them by call.
Hawks can swim and have been documented doing so in the wild and on viral video. They aren't built for it - no webbed feet, less waterproof plumage than waterfowl - but they can wing-row to shore when waterlogged with a catch. Ospreys and Bald Eagles do this regularly; Red-tails and Cooper's only when desperate.
North American ducks migrate along four major flyways - Pacific, Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic. Most northern breeders winter in the southern US (Gulf coast, California Central Valley, Chesapeake) or Mexico. Here's the per-species pattern and the science behind it.
Michigan's 3,000+ miles of Great Lakes shoreline plus inland lakes and marshes host roughly 40 water bird species. Twelve cover most field sightings: Common Loon, Mute Swan, Mallard, Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, plus seven others. Here's where and when.
Texas hosts more water bird species than any other US state - over 80 regularly occur. Sixteen cover most field sightings: Roseate Spoonbill, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Reddish Egret, Great Blue Heron, Anhinga, Mottled Duck, and ten others. Coast, Hill Country wetlands, and Panhandle playas each have their own.
Swans can swim in salt water and have salt glands to handle it - but they prefer fresh and stay close to shore. A naturalist's read on coastal swan ecology.
California, a state known for its diverse geography and climate, is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. From the coastal areas to the mountainous regions, the Golden State is...
Connecticut is characterized by its diverse geography, featuring a mix of coastal areas, rolling hills, and forested regions. Discover the beauty and diversity of Connecticut's avian life with our...
Florida, known as the Sunshine State, is not only famous for its sunny beaches and orange groves but also for its diverse birdlife. This guide will introduce you to 11 spectacular blue bird species...
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Blue Birds in Washington! The Evergreen State is not only home to majestic mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastlines, but it also hosts a remarkable...
Virginia's rich tapestry of coastal, marsh, and inland water habitats makes it a paradise for an array of distinctive species of water birds. This flourishing biodiversity adds to Virginia's charm...
Imagine immersing yourself in the beauty of nature while exploring the stunning landscape of the Huntington Beach Wetlands. With its serene atmosphere, diverse wildlife, and captivating trails, this...
North Carolina, with its extensive coastline, numerous freshwater bodies, and diverse climates, provides an ideal sanctuary for a variety of water birds . These avian species, showcasing an...
New Jersey, a state renowned for its coastal and freshwater habitats, hosts a vibrant array of water birds , adding a dynamic pulse to the state's already rich biodiversity. These birds inhabit a...
Maine's rocky coast and inland lakes hold 24 regular water birds, from Common Eider to Common Loon. A naturalist's read on what's where through the year.
In the northeastern United States, Massachusetts serves as a vibrant sanctuary for a broad variety of water birds . With its Atlantic coastline, numerous freshwater lakes, and extensive marshlands,...
In Georgia, where the South's lush landscapes meet the Atlantic Ocean, one finds an exceptional variety of water birds . The state's diverse ecosystems, ranging from the coastal marshlands to the...
Hawaii, known worldwide for its tropical paradise allure, is more than just beautiful beaches and verdant landscapes. This chain of islands in the Pacific is also a haven for an impressive variety of...
California, with its diverse landscapes and numerous water bodies, is a haven for water bird enthusiasts. From the coastal regions bathed by the Pacific Ocean to the countless lakes and wetlands...
The United States, with its sprawling lakes, mighty rivers, extensive coastlines, and numerous wetlands, serves as an impressive natural habitat for a diverse range of water birds. From the icy...
Amid the tropical splendor of Hawaii, with its lush rainforests, rugged volcanic landscapes, and breezy shorelines, exists a fascinating presence of owls. There are only two species on the hawaii...
Within the diverse habitats of Massachusetts, from its thick forests to its coastal areas and marshlands, an intriguing variety of owls find their home. The owl species found in Massachusetts range...
In the midst of Connecticut's vibrant ecosystems, from its dense woodlands to its meandering rivers and coastal marshes, an impressive array of owls makes its presence known. These nocturnal birds of...
Across the varied habitats of Delaware, from its sprawling forests to its serene coastal wetlands, a diverse collection of owls makes its home. These silent hunters of the twilight hours hold an...
In the rich and varied ecosystems of Florida, spanning from its sun-drenched beaches to its dense forests and expansive Everglades, thrives a unique array of owls. These twilight birds of prey serve...
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tranquil coastal plains, North Carolina's diverse landscapes provide a rich habitat for a range of spectacular hawk species. These remarkable raptors, known for...
Welcome to a journey of discovery, as we delve into the diverse world of North America's hawks. Spread across the sprawling continent, from icy Alaskan terrains to the sun-kissed Southern coasts,...
From the windswept shores of Chesapeake Bay to the rolling Appalachian Mountains, Maryland is home to an impressive array of Birds of Prey. Hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls, among others, adorn the...
Amid the diverse landscapes of Massachusetts, from the Atlantic coastline to the forested Berkshires, a cadre of Birds of Prey thrives, enhancing the state's natural vitality. Eagles, hawks, falcons,...
In the heart of the Deep South, Mississippi's diverse habitats, ranging from the Gulf Coast wetlands to the hilly pine forests, provide an ideal sanctuary for a variety of Birds of Prey. Whether they...
Geese are the largest birds in Rhode Island, and several different species can be found here. Some geese prefer to stay near the coast, while multiple species of birds migrate inland during the...
North Carolina has many different landscapes, including tall mountains, rolling hills, tidal rivers, beaches, estuaries, swamps, marshes and forests. The state has eleven wildlife refuges and ten...
A naturalist's identification guide to the Common Shelduck - distinctive bottle-green head, chestnut breast band, red bill knob. Where to find it, how it differs from other ducks, and the British coast as its stronghold.
The king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a large sea duck that spends most of its time in coastal environments at high latitudes. It breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America,...