January Geese, swans and ducks are present in the marsh along with hawks, great blue herons, and a few species of shorebirds. Mid-winter observations are best during thaws. Eagles, both bald and golden, are sometimes conspicuous along the Wildlife Drive. Great horned owls are incubating eggs while bald eagles are rebuilding their nests high in loblolly pine trees. February First northward bound migrants appear late in February - killdeer, robins, and bluebirds.
Eagles lay eggs late in the month.
Wintering waterfowl are preparing for the long flight north through intense foraging. March Most migratory waterfowl depart for points north. Osprey return from southern wintering grounds and begin constructing nests. April Resident ducks and geese are incubating eggs. The majority of migrant marsh birds return by mid-April.