Shorebirds and Migratory Use of the Wetlands

The season will affect the number and kinds of birds you see today. There are a number of birds who live here all year despite some of the ponds drying up. Some of the resident shorebirds are Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, and Gulls. Some birds like the Black-bellied Plover, Yellow Legs, Curlew, Willet, Western Sandpiper, and many of the ducks mentioned at Station 7, spend the winter here only. A large flock of American White Pelicans reside here soley in the summer. And other birds come here just to rest and find food as they pass through to other destinations. Some birds fly from the Arctic circle to Mexico and back every year to take advantage of the abundance of daylight hours and food. The park is increasingly being used by geese, swans, and certain ducks as a stop along their long migratory flight. There must be a series of wetland habitats a day's flight apart in order for the birds to safely reach their destinations. Due to this dependence upon wetlands, migratory birds populations would decline even further if wetlands were to continue to be removed. As you walk to station 12 look for two different black and white, long legged, long billed birds. The Black-necked Stilt has a straight bill, red legs, and thrusts its bill into the mud. The American Avocet has an upturned bill, blue legs, light brown head and neck, and swings from side to side in the mud.

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