Birds represent a significant wildlife group at Second Marsh. Wetlands provide many birds with breeding and feeding habitat. These areas offer birds an abundance of plants, insects, fish and amphibians for food.
Second Marsh serves as a staging area for thousands of birds during annual spring and autumn migrations, providing food and shelter. Of the 305 species documented here 106 species are known to nest in and around Second Marsh. This latter group includes uncommon or threatened species such as the Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, Common Tern and Black Tern.
The Marsh is also an important refuge for spring and fall shorebirds when marsh water levels are low enough. In the summer, species such as Black and Common Terns nest here as well as such species as Least Bittern, Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, American Wigeon and Northern Shoveler. Numerous species of songbirds can also be found in the wooded swamp at the north end of the Marsh.
Friends of Second Marsh continue to document bird diversity and populations in and around the Marsh. The organization also participates in the Marsh Bird Monitoring Program.
