Habitat Selection and Activity Patterns Among Wading Birds

Human destruction of wetlands in the last two centuries has resulted in the destruction of wading bird habitats. Such habitats are crucial because wading birds are important top predators. We studied wading bird habitat selection patterns at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve. We observed wading birds via cameras and active transects in the estuary. We conclude that wading birds do not use tall, dense emergent vegetation; submerged aquatic vegetation does not play a role in habitat selection; and snags are an underrepresented facet in wading bird habitats