AN AREA OF DIVERSE HABITATS
Back Bay Refuge habitats support a wide variety of plant and animal life. Marshlands, which include more than 75 percent of the refuge, are found within several large impoundments and on the Bay islands. This productive, protected marshland contains valuable wildlife food plants such as three-square, smartweed, and spikerushes.
The shifting sands of the barrier beach are constantly exposed to ocean waves, currents, and tides. No vegetation can withstand these powerful forces, but ghost crabs, gulls, and migrating shorebirds are common here. Sand dunes form a line of defense, protecting marsh and woodlands from high tides and storms. Like the beach, the dunes are exposed to the powerful forces of nature. However, dunes are able to support vegetation which helps to stabilize the sandy soil.
Wax myrtle, highbush blueberry, bayberry, wild black cherry, and persimmon dominate refuge shrublands. Woodlands consist mostly of live oak and loblolly pines. Shrubland and woodland habitats are found in areas of higher elevation, where the soil is well drained and the harsh effects of the ocean are not as dramatic. Raptors, rabbits, squirrels, and deer are commonly found here.
Edges between major habitats, such as between land and sea, are places where wildlife is most active. In fact, coastal barrier habitats are thought to harbor a greater variety of bird species that any other ecosystem in the continental United States. In many cases, this diversity occurs within an extremely narrow area. At the refuge, for instance, the distance to the ocean from Back Bay is no more than one mile.
A HAVEN FOR WATERFOWL AND OTHER WILDLIFE
More than 300 species of birds have been observed at Back Bay Refuge. During the fall and winter months, large flocks of waterfowl use the Bay and freshwater impoundments. Snow and Canada geese, tundra swans, and many duck species are abundant. Each year, waterfowl numbers rise and fall in response to weather conditions, farming practices, and reproductive success. Migrating songbirds and shorebirds arrive at the refuge each spring. Brightly colored warblers dot shrub and woodland areas while shorebirds line the intertidal zone and search for food in shallow waters.
To find out more about birds at the refuge and abroad visit these sites . . .
The varied habitats at Back Bay Refuge provide food and cover for mammals such as river otters, white-tailed deer, mink, opossums, raccoons, and the red and grey fox. Nutria, introduced to the United States from South America in the early 1900's are common in refuge marshlands. Other non-native species include feral horses and pigs. These animals compete with native species for food and cover and contribute to negative impacts on the managed environment. Nutria damage dikes through burrowing activity; pigs uproot valuable marsh vegetation; and horses trample plants and litter the area with their droppings.
Many types of reptiles and amphibians occur at Back Bay Refuge. Snakes, including venomous cottonmouths, are frequently seen. Other common snakes include brown and northern water snakes, black rat snakes and eastern hognose snakes. On warm, sunny days, turtles line up on logs and bask at the water's edge. Red-bellied, painted, eastern mud, and snapping turtles are most common.
MANAGEMENT IMPROVES HABITAT
Wildlife managers constantly work to improve the quality of wildlife habitat. Even though refuge wetlands have a natural appearance, most areas are intensely managed for use by waterfowl and other native wildlife. Management actions create divers habitats to encourage use by many wildlife species.
Habitat management at Back Bay Refuge includes water level manipulation, prescribed burning, plowing, discing, dike construction, chemical control. As you travel through the refuge you will see how habitats have been modified. Look for burned-over areas, water control structures, signed or cabled closed areas, and marsh areas which have been deliberately disturbed to prevent woody plant growth. Waterfowl, especially, thrive on marshes containing succulent plant growth with few upland species.
