For more information:

University of Florida News: AFTER EXTREME DROUGHTS, WADING BIRDS FLOURISH

fe20204

Drought's Benefits for Wading Birds

Scientists have long thought that drought years in the Everglades were good years for wading birds as more small fish would be easier to find in the little remaining water. In fact, though, it turns out the years after droughts--when the water returns--are banner years for the long-legged birds. Wildlife Ecologist Peter Frederick explains what might be at work...

History and Wading Birds

As scientists tried to uncover the positive relationship between wading birds in the Everglades and the years following droughts, they were puzzled. While they knew droughts would make it easier for the birds to find fish, that didn't explain why the wet period that would follow would be so beneficial for the birds. Wildlife Ecologist Peter Frederick says part of the answer came from history...

Wading Birds and the Everglades

Scientists have recently discovered that the wet years after major droughts in the Everglades are beneficial to wading birds there. And as wildlife ecologist Peter Frederick notes, the bird populations don't just grow: they explode...

Managing water for wading birds

Scientists believe they've put their fingers on what exactly makes the years after droughts in the Everglades so good for wading birds. Wildlife ecologist Peter Frederick says it is one of the unlikely benefits of severe drought...

Avoiding Biblical Disturbance

With the finding that severe drought in the Everglades leads to record-setting nesting of wading birds, scientists are questioning water management strategies that might limit the drydown of wetlands. Wildlife Ecologist Peter Frederick says we're victim of human nature...