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Bird Survey Site 9

Site 9 has undergone enormous changes with the water cycle on the lower bay. Before the last high water cycle, site 9 used to be an inlet on the north side of the lagoon. After the high water receeded, a sand beach ridge was formed, blocking any water from entering the lagoon from the north. The lagoon now has only one outlet channel, east of point #8. The white 'sand' that you see in the foreground of the picture are actually millions of zebra mussel shells. The high water and ice flows from the previous year make mini zebra mussel ridges all the way along the point's north shore.

Site 9. The weedy vegetation in the foreground of the picture is a direct result of the low water period. Enough mud and wet sand was exposed to support vegetation all along the point's north shore. These areas are currently being exploited by numerous sparrows and juncoes, which are probably attracted to the seeds of these plants.

The pile of rocks that you can see in the background is actually a historical duck blind. Currently it serves as an excellent loafing area for gulls, terns, ducks, geese and numerous shorebird species. Unfortunately, site 9 also acts as a collection area for numerous garbage items in the bay. Golf balls, hats, plastic and even a catamaran have washed up on this sand spit.

Biodiversity Topics: Introduction . Plants . Animals . Mammals . Birds . Reptiles & Amphibians . Arthropods . Spiders . Insects