What is an Important Birding Area?
The Cohansey River has designated as an “Important Birding Area” or an “IBA” by Birdlife International Not just any place is considered an Important Birding Area, though. An area must meet certain requirements in order to be designated as an IBA. In particular, some of those requirements include:
- It must have international significance for the conservation of birds and other biodiversity;
- It must be have practical tools for conservation; and
- It must also have distinct areas amenable to conservation. (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs))
Where is the Cohansey River Birding Area?
This area includes:
- Bayside Tract,
- Dix Wildlife Management Area (WMA),
- Clarks Pond WMA and
- Bridgeton City Park.
Check out this National Audubon Society map. You can use the “+” and the “-” to zoom in or out.
What kind of birds will I see?
Some of the birds that you may encounter include bald eagle, osprey, and coopers hawk. You might also see American black duck, the clapper rail, marsh wren, Virginia rail, willet, saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow, and seaside sparrow. The Cohansey is also a significant stopover for migrant and flyover-shorebirds. So, if you enjoy birdwatching, you’ll want to check out the numerous birding spots in the area!
Finally, if you would like to learn more about this IBA, please visit the National Audubon Society’s website here.