Red-Tailed Hawk
This common bird of prey can be spotted soaring or perching high above the marsh,
watching for tasty rodents and small birds.
Photo by Julie Bowen
Tree Swallow
Tree Swallows are among the several types of swallows that can be found swooping
above the water’s surface to catch flying insects. They nest in trees close
to the water, in holes often left by woodpeckers.
Great Blue Heron
This tall, blue-grey bird can be spotted standing motionless at the water’s
edge, ready to gobble up fish and frogs. Great Blue Herons are normally solitary,
except in the spring when they nest in treetop colonies.
Wood Duck
Known as the most beautiful duck in North America, these are “perching”
ducks, preferring to nest in trees close to water. For a few weeks in late summer,
wood ducks become earthbound while they moult and grow new feathers.
Cedar Waxwing
These masked birds pass through the wetland in raucous groups, searching for wild
berries. Cedar Waxwings are named for the distinctive red wax-like markings that
appear on their wings after two years of age.
Photo by Alex MacDonald
Mudminnow
As its name suggests, the Mudminnow is a bottom-feeder that hides from predators
by burrowing in the mud at the bottom of the marsh. They feed mainly on insect larvae
and plankton. The Mudminnow has adapted to our cold winter temperatures and in winter,
can survive in mostly frozen ponds.
Green Frog
Green Frogs usually spend their entire lives near the freshwater habitat where they
were born. Tadpoles spend winter beneath the silt at the bottom of the wetland,
and transform into adult frogs the next summer. Adult frogs also bury themselves
at the bottom of the marsh in the winter to hibernate. If the water freezes over
completely, however, the frogs can die from suffocation.
Photo by Julie Bowen
Green Darner Dragonfly
One of North America’s largest and most common dragonflies, Green Darners
live underwater for years as larval nymphs, only to survive a few weeks as high-flying
adults.
Photo by Alex MacDonald
Mosquito
Mosquito larvae live and feed underwater, breathing through a tube in their tail
at the water’s surface. Only the adult female mosquito feeds on warm-blooded
creatures because she needs blood to lay eggs.
Daphnia
Despite their more common name of “water flea”, daphnia are actually
microscopic crustaceans, not insects. They are an important link in the wetland
food chain as they feed on algae and decaying organic matter, and in turn are eaten
by fish, insect larvae, and tadpoles.
Aquatic Plants
These tiny plants capture energy from the Sun through photosynthesis. Great clusters
of them form the green slime that floats on the water’s surface.
Meadow Vole
The Meadow Vole (or field mouse) is a common herbivore that burrows beneath woodlands,
fields, and marshes. In the winter, they don't hibernate-they survive on roots and
tree bark instead of the green vegetation they eat in the summer. Their many predators
include herons, hawks, snakes, and raccoons.
Water Lilies
Water lilies can be found growing at sunny edges of ponds. Because their broad leaves
float on the surface, water lilies provide shelter for animals, control algae growth,
and help keep the water temperature cool.
There’s no better way to explore a wetland than by gliding quietly across
it in a canoe. Just make sure that any underage passengers are wearing life jackets.
Little Brown Bat
One of the most common bats in North America, the Little Brown Bat is attracted
to wetlands because of the abundance of insects. Like Tree Swallows, they feed while
flying, normally at dusk.
Downy Woodpecker
This woodpecker’s small size lets it hunt for insects in the twigs and branches
that can’t support its larger cousin, the Hairy Woodpecker. The Downy Woodpecker
often joins flocks of other winter birds, like chickadees, for protection while
searching for food.
Photo by Alex MacDonald
Wetlands can also be great spots for winter recreation. Just make sure to check
for posted warnings before you strap on your skis or lace up your skates.