Birds and Their Adaptations

Competition for food is reduced because each species of bird is adapted for a different feeding style. For those feeding in the water, long and short bill birds find food at different depths in the mud. Long-legged birds, like egrets and herons, can feed in deeper water, stabbing fish with their sharp beaks. Some ducks, such as mallards, tip up and dabble in shallow water while others, such as Ruddy ducks dive in deeper water and feed on the bottom. If you see a snowy egret, watch how it wiggles it's yellow feet in the water to attract fish. Many of the species of birds you see here are resident birds, building nests and living here year round. As you continue your walk, keep your eyes open for the endangered salt marsh yellow throat and look and listen for song sparrows with their lively and varied song of short notes followed by a trill.

Tour text from "Self Guided Tour of Shollenberger Park" available on site.