How is it important to the Chesapeake Bay?
Maryland is an important stop in the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory flight routes in North America. Every fall, hundreds of thousands of birds of many different species make their way along the coast from their summer nesting places in the northern U.S., Canada and even the Arctic to their winter homes. Some birds winter on the Chesapeake Bay while others continue south to Florida, the Caribbean Islands and as far away as South America. Marylands portion of the Chesapeake Bay is a particular favorite wintering habitat. The Bay area offers vast tidal wetlands and acres and acres of shallow water, as well as nearby agricultural fields and forests. As a result, Maryland boasts the largest wintering concentrations of Canada geese and snow geese along the entire flyway. Marylands Coastal Bays, the Atlantic coastline and the associated wetlands also provide valuable habitat for migratory birds of many types. These migratory birds occupy an important niche in the states ecosyste
