Friday, July 27, 2007
Guest View: Councilwoman promotes visits of Upper Newport Bay
By LESLIE DAIGLE
GUEST VIEW - Orange County Register
I'd like to share my recent day in the 752-acre Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, which contains one of the few remaining Southern California estuaries, a habitat characterized by a mixture of fresh and salt water. During migration, as many as 30,000 birds in 200 species seek temporary refuge in this richly-endowed sanctuary before continuing on. Throughout the year, birders flock to this unique area.
Visitors find ephemeral and challenging conditions, especially if one attunes both eyes and ears to the abundant fauna.
Varied habitats, including freshwater ponds, riparian woodlands and upland habitats, combine with seasons and tides to produce an ever-changing display.
Visitors may notice most wildlife seeking refuge before dusk, when nocturnal predators, including owls and bats, are on the prowl. Each species has a timetable based on availability of preferred food. The dynamics occurring between prey and predator are part of a healthy ecosystem, further increasing the value of the Back Bay.
One need not be a professional photographer to capture impressions of the area. Every hour offers photographic opportunities becoming increasingly rare in today's world.
I explore the salt marsh, colonized by a salt tolerant plant called pickleweed, which pumps salt out the roots to a small cavity called a vacuole. Pickleweed provides shelter for diverse animals including the endangered Belding's savannah sparrow. The flavor of this magnificent environment is captured in local plein-air paintings.
Continuing in the marsh, I hear birds singing and frogs croaking. Frogs were one of the first land animals with a voice. Their vocal sacs fill with air to amplify the sound. Only the male calls, to proclaim territory or attract a mate.
I'm here at low tide when nature provides a bountiful feast. I notice clusters of horse mussels, epitomizing the expression "stick in the mud." Instead of attaching to an object like most mussels, the horse mussel permanently burrows into the mud, its shell partially open for filter feeding.
The receding tide reveals mud flats providing a smorgasbord of nutrients. The great bIue heron probes the mud flats for food. Note the long bill, an effective tool for extracting mud-dwelling organisms.
During mating rituals, the male's long neck quivers, the feathers radiate out resembling a halo, the wings stretch, showing their full dimension.
The male heron is radiant, graceful and very attentive to his mate. He presents sticks to the female, which utilizes them in building a nest where she'll lay three to five eggs. The blue heron is the emblem for Newport Bay Naturalists & Friends.
I hope you're inspired to explore and enjoy Upper Newport Bay and urge citizens to enthusiastically support the efforts to protect this wonderful treasure.
Leslie Daigle represents District 4 on the Newport Beach City Council
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