Chesapeake Bay: Nature of the Estuary : a Field GuideThe most important field marks of more than 500 species of the Chesapeake Bay are shown in 350 superb pen-and-ink drawings. This book has become the definitive field guide to the Chesapeake. Flora and fauna descriptions are arranged according to the bay's nine major habitats--from freshwater wetlands to saltwater marshes. The most important field marks of more than 500 species are shown in 350 superb pen-and-ink drawings, which make this benchmark work as beautiful as it is useful. This guide is designed as a user-friendly introduction to the natural history of the Chesapeake Bay. Scientific jargon is kept to a minimum. Illustrations and text are paired to present an easy-to-use primer on the estuarine system. The book takes an ecological approach to life above and below the Chesapeake's surface. Wetland and aquatic communities are emphasized. |
Contents
The Nature of the Estuary | 3 |
Geological History and Sediments | 9 |
Ecology of the Bay | 19 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
achene adult anal fin Atlantic benthic bill birds bloom blue crab body brackish marshes brackish waters brackish wetlands breeding brown Call carapace cattail Chesapeake Bay clam clusters common in winter common transient Confusing species cordgrass crustaceans dark dorsal fin edge estuary feed female Field marks fish flats Flight forage freshwater freshwater marshes frogs grasses gray green grows gull habitat heron intertidal invertebrates leaves Length less common lower Bay male mammals Meadow vole meadows muskrat neck nest Nonbreeder oyster panicle patch plankton plants ppt to marine Related species rhizomes rivers salinity salt marshes sandpiper Season sedges seeds shallow shell shrub snail snake spikelets spikes spots spring and fall stalks stem streams stripe subtidal summer resident tail three-square tidal tidewater transient and winter trees tributaries turtle typically uncommon upland upper wetlands wing wingspan averages winter resident yellow zone