B-3 



The variations in drainage and salinity account for rather distinct 

 plant zonation and distribution. 



Irregularly flooded salt marshes occur along the shores 

 of bays, sounds, and rivers. They are flooded only irregularly by 

 wind and storm tides with from a few inches to several feet of 

 water. Tidal creeks also dissect the irregularly flooded salt 

 marshes but are typically shorter and straighter than those of the 

 regularly flooded salt marshes. The water in these tidal creeks 

 generally is less rich in organic debris and silt. 



The vegetation is largely dominated by black needlerush 

 ■Juncus roemerianus with saltmeadow cordgrass Spartina patens, salt 

 grass Distichlis spicata , glasswort Salicornia spp . and saltmarsh 

 three-square Scirpus robustus occurring as common associates. On 

 ridges of high ground, marsh elder Iva frutescens and groundsel 

 Bacharis halimifolia are common. Switchgrass Pan i cum virgatum 

 may occur over large areas adjacent to the upland along with sea 

 lavender Limonium spp . and sea oxeye Borrichia frutescens . 



Typical animals include: 



Horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus 



Fiddler crabs Uca spp . 



Marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum 



Saltmarsh snail Melampus bidentatu s 



Periwinkle snail Littorina irrorata 



Ribbed mussel Volsella demissa 



Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus 



Diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin 



Water snake Natrix sipedon 



Eastern hognose snake Heterodon platyrhinos 



Canada goose Branta canadensis 



Snow goose Chen hyperborea 



Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 



Black duck Anas rubripes 



Pintail Anas acuta 



Blue winged teal Anas discors 



American widgeon Mareca americana 



Shoveler Spatula clypeata 



Herons 



Egrets 



Marsh hawk Circus cyaneus 



Sparrow hawk Falco sparverius 



Clapper rail Rallus longirostris 



Short eared owl Asio f lammeus 



Sharp tailed sparrow Ammospiza caudacuta 



Seaside sparrow Ammospiza maritima 



