Our nation's estuaries and wetlands are home to many different bird species. One of the most important estuary habitats for birds is the salt marsh. Birds are drawn to the salt marsh by the abundant food sources found there. Fish, shellfish, worms, shrimp and crawfish, crabs, and other marine organisms that live in the salt marshes are important food sources for many different types of birds. Read more
Many types of birds come to the salt marshes to eat. There are the wading birds, such as the herons and egrets. There are shorebirds, such as the willets. And there are migratory birds that seasonally feed in the estuary, such as ducks and geese.
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Many birds make their homes in the estuary. Some are familiar to us but here are three species that are more elusive. We get a close-up view of a Barred Owl, a Red-Tail Hawk and an American Oystercatcher.
Time: 5:34
NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System
Learn about birds that make the estuary their home and why the estuary is an important stopover for others. Meet two pelicans saved by rescuers.
Time: 4:36
NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System