Newspapers / The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, … / April 8, 1993, edition 1 / Page 38
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in the BY BILL FAVER We often think of the spring time changes along our beaches and roadsides as flowers begin to bloom and birds begin migrating northward or begin their nesting activities. There are changes taking place in our freshwater marshes and swamps which are equally as spec tacular. Like the beaches, swamps are dy namic areas; they are never static and are always changing. Decaying plant and animal matter settles to the ground and builds up the rich soil. Winter rains add to the water levels and help bring about the changes. Aquatic plants and animals share the swamp with those liv ing on the adjoining land with only an inch or two of elevation separating the two habitats. Freshwater marshes become swamps over the years as the buildup slows the moving water and brings about more vegetation. Eventually alders, maples, cypress, cedars, bays, and other trees and shrubs become a part of the marsh swamp scene. Unique plants find a spe cialized home in the swamps and fill a niche unlike that in other places. We in Brunswick County are fortu nate to have the Green Swamp in our area. We also have highways which tra verse other swamps and bays and give us a look at a swamp ecosystem. Depending upon the degree of suc cession in a particular swamp we can expect to find a wide variety of bird species. If there are open shallow water areas, we'll find herons, egrets, and ibis. A few ducks may join them at some time during the year. Usually there are owls, hawks, and ospreys if there are good tall nesting trees available. Woodpeckers share the swamp with wrens, sparrows, swal lows, and some of the sandpipers. Probably the most exciting group of birds in the swamps are the warblers ? some who are year-round and some who are migratory. These colorful birds are small and secretive, but stalking them is worthwhile when you en counter one or two of the rarer species. We can also expect to find the buntings during the summer months. Take some time this spring to investi gate the swamps. You don't need to don waders and mosquito netting or even wear old clothes. Just stop along a roadside and use some binoculars and look for the budding maple trees and the new growth on the cypresses. See the unique plants and the dark water. And, if you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of the birds who call our freshwater marshes and swamps their homes. PHOTO BY BILL FAVt* Budding maples give some color to the springtime changes in our swamps.
The Brunswick Beacon (Shallotte, N.C.)
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April 8, 1993, edition 1
38
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