Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 primarily to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is of vital stopover significance to waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods.
Diverse Habitats Support Diverse Wildlife
The refuge consists of 4,662 acres (1,883 hectares) of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, shrub/thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, salt marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, and salt panne. These and other refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 350 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.
Managing for Wildlife
A variety of management practices are in use at the refuge to enhance its value to wildlife. While visiting the refuge you may see evidence of some of these procedures.
Mowing and burning
Portions of refuge lands are mowed to maintain open habitats, providing food and cover for such migratory bird species as American woodcock and bobolink.
Freshwater marshes and other grasslands are burned to return nutrients to the soil and to promote new growth by reducing decomposing vegetation.
Through mowing and other means, refuge habitats are sometimes manipulated for the benefit of wildlife.
Applying Herbicides and Releasing Non-native Insects
Invasive pest plants diminish the wildlife food and protective cover values of refuge habitats by displacing native plant species. These weeds are controlled in part through the application of herbicides and the release of non-native insects that feed specifically on these plants.
Controlling Water Levels
Impoundment water levels are lowered to expose mud flat feeding and resting areas for migratory shorebirds and to promote the growth of certain wetland food plants favored by various species of ducks. This technique may also benefit herons, river otter, and other wildlife by concentrating fish and other prey in shallow pools.
Erecting Nest Structures
Nest boxes are erected and maintained for purple martin and other cavity-nesting birds and elevated nesting platforms are situated near refuge water bodies to attract osprey.
Also, the refuge, conservation organizations, and universities conduct on-site biological investigations to further human understanding of wildlife and their habitats. Examples include bird banding studies and wildlife population surveys. When applicable, information gained by this research is put to practical use at the refuge.
For more information please click on the flying birds! Visit this Wildlife Refuge today, and see nature at its best!
Newburyport Guide of Newburyport Massachusetts all rights are reserved
