Streambanks, floodplains and wetlands form the transition from water to land. These areas act as buffers by removing sediments, nutrients , organic matter and pollutants from runoff before these substances can enter the water. Forests and forested wetlands are particularly important to waterfowl , other migratory birds and colonial waterbirds. Forested uplands and wetlands are nesting and resting habitat for neotropical migratory birds. These birds breed in the United States but winter in Central and South America.
Some neotropical birds breed in the forests found in the Bay watershed.
The Bay lies within the Atlantic Flyway, a major migration route for neotropical migrants and migrating waterfowl, and is a significant resting area for birds. Islands also can protect underwater Bay grasses and shallow water areas from erosion and sedimentation. However, islands themselves are eroding at alarming rates, mostly due to sea level rise and the erosive force of wind and waves.