Birding the Tides

The author walks through the saltmarsh as he conducts permitted research. Generally, birders should avoid venturing off-trail in the fragile saltmarsh because it can damage sensitive habitat, disturb ground-nesting birds, and pose safety risks. Instead, explore by boardwalk, trail, or kayak to enjoy the saltmarsh responsibly. Photo by © Alex Troutman.Birding the saltmarsh is a great way to see not only amazing birds, but also many other animals that call this place home, from various species of arthropods like butterflies and crabs to fish like drums (red and black) and sharks. You even have the chance to see some mammals like raccoons, minks, and, if you’re lucky, maybe a few marine mammals such as dolphins and manatees.

When you think of saltmarsh birding, consider three important things: where, when, and how you are going to do it. The saltmarsh is a complex ecosystem that offers a variety of birds to see. While it’s possible to see birds in the saltmarsh, the view of the birds may be limited by your timing and where you are birding from.

Let’s first talk about the how and where of birding the saltmarsh. There are three main strategies: (1) birding the perimeter, either by boat or foot; (2) kayaking through the channels of the interior; and (3) traversing on foot by using a boardwalk or platform.

Walking through the saltmarsh itself when not on a boardwalk, platform, or other designed path is not a good idea because it can be extremely disruptive to the habitat as well as dangerous for you. Ground-nesting birds, fragile grasses, and hidden channels make off-trail travel risky. Unless you enter a saltmarsh with explicit permission, such as for research or restoration work, stick to boardwalks, platforms, or kayaks!

Each mode for exploring the saltmarsh provides opportunities to see some amazing birds. While birding the perimeter, you are sure to see many birds that call the saltmarsh home. On the East Coast, you will see birds like the Boat-tailed Grackle, Seaside Sparrow, and Saltmarsh Sparrow, utilizing the heads of the saltmarsh vegetation like the Spartina to rest and observe their surroundings. You may also see Clapper Rails sneaking out from the grasses onto the mudflats, and then entering the grass just as quickly as they exited. You’ll encounter Green Herons, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and other waterbirds foraging on the mudflats at the water edge. Don’t forget to look up, because you’ll often find birds of many different species flying over, from Ospreys to Wood Storks. 

Birding the perimeter by boat is a great way to appreciate these species from the water. In many parks, wildlife refuges, and even some private land areas, the perimeter can also be accessed on foot. These places are often set up to offer access to the saltmarsh without entering it. 

Birding the saltmarsh internally, either by traversing on foot in designated areas or kayaking the channels, is an incredible way to get a closer view of these birds. Many wading birds, for example, Tricolored Herons and Roseate Spoonbills, use the channels to forage. Kayaks and foot travel are relatively quiet, so sometimes you can surprise a group of foraging birds in a channel and watch as they seemingly synchronize to fly away in unison.

Birding from a boardwalk or platform provides some of the same opportunities as traversing the marsh internally, except that you are above the marsh and can stay clean. Birding the perimeter, birding the marsh internally on foot, and birding from platforms or boardwalks may bring you into adjacent habitats, such as maritime forest or coastal forest. These areas provide shrubs and trees that are different from the vegetation of the saltmarsh and host birds that live near, but not typically inside, the marsh. By walking through these forests as you make your way to the saltmarshes, you’ll have chances to see Painted Buntings, American and Fish crows, Summer Tanagers, and Yellow-throated Warblers, to name a few.

However you choose to explore the saltmarsh, it’s important to bird responsibly. When possible, stick to trails, boardwalks, or established kayak routes to avoid trampling sensitive vegetation or disturbing hidden nests. Many East Coast saltmarsh species, like Clapper Rails and Saltmarsh Sparrows, nest close to the ground in dense grasses, easily overlooked and easily harmed. Use quiet observation techniques, avoid playback especially during breeding season, and always respect signs of stress or territorial behavior in birds. Enjoy this incredible habitat without disrupting the life it supports.

The saltmarsh is a complex ecosystem, and one complexity is that the saltmarsh is inundated twice a day by tides that are caused by the moon. So, when birding the saltmarsh, be aware of the time to ensure that you are not caught out when the tide is coming in. When the water is rising, the saltmarsh is flooding.

Another important consideration: What tools do you need? Well of course you will need your binoculars! You also need plenty of water and snacks. The saltmarsh does not provide any shade, so wear light clothing and have a hat and sunscreen as well. If you plan to walk through the saltmarsh, you need a good pair of muck boots and quick-drying clothes that can get muddy.

Be prepared for biting arthropods! Saltmarshes can be inundated with ruthless mosquitoes and other biting insects, especially in summer. Bring insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and consider a head net if conditions are vicious. The marsh contains lots of hiding spots, so be patient and listen closely, as many times you may hear a bird before you see it.

Whether it’s discovering a group of feeding waterbirds in the Spartina grass or the sudden call of a Clapper Rail, the saltmarsh reveals wonders to those who slow down and listen. With the right gear, timing, and patience, birding the saltmarsh can reward you with unforgettable encounters in one of nature’s richest and most dynamic habitats. Good luck!