User:Singingocean.mu/sandbox
Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve[edit]
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Originally acquired through a lease agreement with the California State Lands Commission in 1982, The Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve spans 160 acres of tidal mudflats, featuring a slender expanse of salt marsh, pickleweed and cordgrass, providing essential habitat for a diverse array of shorebirds and waterfowl.[1]
The Albany mudflats are located in the northern East Bay. The reserve was specifically designated to safeguard wetlands and the rich diversity of fish and wildlife they support. Recognizing its ecological significance, the California Fish and Wildlife formally designated it as an ecological reserve in 1986.[2]
During ebb tide, the mudflats attract significant numbers of shorebirds, such as herons, egrets, ducks, as well as gulls and terns, among many others.
Birding[edit]
The Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve is an important location for birding as many species can be observed. Notably it is the Winter habitat for Burrowing Owl.
In fact, this Albany Plateau includes a Burrowing Owl preserve, where the Buff-bellied Pipit, Western Meadowlark, and Red-winged Blackbird can also be observed.
The tidal shifts push shorebirds closer to the coast so that many species can be easily observed. These include but are not limited to Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Greater Scaup, American Avocet, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Least Sandpipers, and Great Yellowlegs.[3]
Duck and geese species include Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Eurasian Wigeon, Greater White-fronted Goose and Canada Goose.[4]
- ^ California Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve".
- ^ LandCAN Conservation. "Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve".
- ^ Steinman, Sandy (October 6, 2014). "Natural History Wanderings".
- ^ Denning, Zac (16 January 2024). "Albany mudflats".