En Español
Selected words from the text of the guide have been compiled into this glossary for your reference. These terms are used to describe the wildlife you will see on the trails, their habitats and their behaviors.
Canopy :: the overhead shade and layers of foliage provided by trees and shrubs in forests and woodland.
Dabbling :: refers to ducks that feed mostly on vegetable matter by submerging their upper bodies enabling them to graze below the surface; rarely will they dive for food. Some examples are Mallard, American Black Duck, Gadwall and Northern Pintail.
Detritus :: organic waste material produced by the decomposition of dead plants and animals.
Ephemeral :: lasting for one day only or lasting for a short period of time.
Estuary :: the point at which a river meets the sea; where salt water and fresh water mix.
Extirpate :: to eliminate completely.
Eyries :: the nests of birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon usually built in high places such as trees or cliffs.
Flora and Fauna :: the plants (flora) and animals (fauna) found in a specific area.
Flotsam and Jetsam :: a general term used to describe anything that is floating in the water or possibly washed up on shore.
Fungi :: a kingdom of plantlike organisms that grow without roots, stems, leaves and photosynthesis, such as mushroom and lichen.
Hibernaculum :: zoologically refers to a shelter used by hibernating animals, botanically refers to a protective casing a plant uses to survive changing weather conditions during its dormant period.
Irruption :: an influx of birds to an area where they do not usually winter. This shift usually indicates there is a shortage of food at their normal wintering grounds.
Lowland :: land that is lower than the surrounding area and has a higher water table making it more attractive to water dependent species such as shorebirds, wading birds, muskrats, turtles and frogs.
Monoculture :: a system that contains very little diversity.
Nectaring :: the act of feeding on plant and flower nectar by butterflies and hummingbirds.
Neotropical :: refers to species that nest in North American sites but spend up to six winter months in warmer climates of the Americas including Mexico, and Central and South America.
Passerine :: birds of the order Passeriformes, which includes perching birds and songbirds such as the jays, blackbirds, finches, warblers and sparrows.
Phragmites :: or common reed, is a plant species found in marshes and wetlands and is most commonly associated with brackish water. Its stems can grow up to 20 feet tall and is recognizable by its fluffy brown seed head. 
Raptor :: a bird of prey; including hawks, falcons, kites and eagles.
Riparian :: related to, or having a location on the banks of a natural course of water such as a river or stream.
Rookery :: a place where birds of the same species breed and nest, especially herons and egrets.
Rushes :: water loving grass-like plants with cylindrical stems that are often hollow, such as bulrush, common rush and soft rush.
Scrub/Shrub :: woody vegetation that is less than 20 feet tall found in upland, lowland or wetland areas.
Tidal Marshes :: low, flat marshlands that are traversed by channels and tidal hollows; usually subject to tidal inundation and may contain fresh, brackish or salinized water.
Upland :: land that lies above the flood plain; land that is elevated and is far enough away from a body of water that its vegetation is dependent on rainfall.
Whitewash :: white stains from bird excrements that are usually found where birds perch or nest.