Boreal
Hardwood Transition
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This
region is characterized by coniferous and northern hardwood forests,
nutrient-poor soils, and numerous clear lakes, bogs, and river flowage.
All of the world's Kirtland's Warblers breed here, as do the majority of
Golden-winged Warblers and Connecticut Warblers. Other important forest
birds include the Black-billed Cuckoo, Veery and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Great Lakes coastal estuaries, river flowage, large shallow lakes and
natural wild rice lakes are used by many breeding and migrating water
birds. Yellow Rail are among the important wetland species, and islands
in the Great Lakes support large colonies of Caspian and Common Terns.
Although breeding ducks are sparsely distributed, stable water
conditions allow for consistent reproductive success. Wood Duck,
Mallard, American Black Duck, Ring-necked Duck and Common Goldeneye are
common breeding species in this region. Threats to wetland habitat in
this region include recreational development, cranberry operations, peat
harvesting and drainage. |