|
Important Bird and Birding Areas
|
Mullica River Corridor
Atlantic and Burlington CountiesCoordinates: N 39.58329
W 74.61128
Site Map Pinelands: New England / Mid-Atlantic CoastArea: 40,379 Acres Habitat: Tidal marsh, mixed upland forest and nontidal marshSite Description: Located in the central pinelands of southern New Jersey, the Mullica River drains the largest and most pristine watersheds in the Pinelands. Habitats adjacent to the river include mixed upland forest, primarily dominated by pitch-pine (Pinus rigida) and forested wetland composed of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides). Tidal salt and brackish marshes dominate the area.
 |
| Tundra Swans in flight | Michael Hogan |
| |
Birds: Many species of waterfowl, raptors, wading birds and shorebirds inhabit the salt, brackish and freshwater marshes of the Mullica River Corridor. Raptors, including Ospreys and Northern Harriers, utilize the tidal marshes for nesting and foraging. Bald Eagles nest along the Mullica River and depend on the tidal marshes of the area throughout the year for foraging. This site offers one of the largest wintering populations of Bald Eagles in the state and one of the top sites in the northeast for wintering Golden Eagles. Wintering waterfowl includes a concentration of up to 300 Tundra Swans. The Mullica River Corridor also provides valuable stopover habitat for hundreds of species of migratory passerines and waterfowl.Conservation: Nonpoint sources of pollution from nearby intense development and human activities have degraded the water quality of the Mullica River and its associated estuarine system. Point and nonpoint source pollution should be limited especially in the upper regions of the river. The common reed (Phragmites australis), is also a problem at this site.Additional Information: Site Report
 |
| Saltmarsh habitat | Mark S. Garland |
| |
|
|