Animals

	Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias This large, steel gray wading bird can be found throughout the Peterson Marsh. They are often observed standing tall and still on a mud flat or log, or in hiding in the high marsh grass, waiting to ambush unsuspecting fish or frogs in the water. Most of the Great Blue Herons in Northern Delaware nest on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Watching this large bird soar low over the marsh can evoke images of prehistoric times. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Southern Leopard Frog Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius The Southern Leopard Frog is a medium sized “True Frog” (family Ranidae). This frog varies in color from bright metallic green to dull brown. Dark spots are usually conspicuous on the back and sides and a light spot is evident in the center of the eardrum (tympanum). Leopard Frogs are often observed away from water; however, in late winter and spring, males and females make their way to freshwater pools and marshes to breed. The males call loudly (sounding something like quacking ducks) to attract females and define territories. Females lay their eggs in the water in globular, jelly-like masses containing hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch in one or two weeks and the tadpoles grow quickly by feeding on marsh vegetation. Tadpoles transform about two to three months later into brightly colored froglets.
	Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbirds are a common sight year-round in the wetlands of the Peterson Marsh. In spring and summer the males can be heard singing loudly from their perches in the tops of cattails and shrubs in the marsh. The inconspicuous females differ greatly from the jet black males that sport bright red shoulder patches (epaulets). In fall and winter, Red-winged Blackbirds join with Common Grackles, European Starlings and Brown Cowbirds to form huge flocks. It is truly an incredible sight to see many thousands of these birds swirling in synchronized formation like schools of airborne fish. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Osprey Pandion haliaetus With a wingspan of nearly six feet, the Osprey is a large bird of prey readily seen in the Peterson Marsh. They hunt for fish, their primary food source, in a thrilling fashion by flying high over the water until they spot a fish near the surface, then folding their wings back and diving steeply, hitting the water with talons outstretched. Ospreys were very common in our region until the 1950s when their numbers plummeted due to pesticide pollution. By the 1970s pollution control allowed the Osprey to make a comeback, and today Ospreys are common along the coast of eastern North America. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	North American Raccoon Procyon lotor The raccoon is one of the most recognizable mammals in the United States. This masked, ring-tailed animal is incredibly adaptable and can be found in just about every habitat in our area and is at home in forests, fields, wetlands and urban areas. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever they can catch or come across. Food includes small animals such as fish, crayfish and insects and a large variety of plants. At the Peterson Refuge, look at dusk for roaming raccoons along the shores of the tidal pond and guts. The raccoon’s distinctive tracks can often be observed in muddy areas of the refuge. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Needham’s Skimmer Libellula needhami This colorful dragonfly is a common sight around ponds, small pools and marshes on the coastal plain of Delaware. Unlike many dragonflies, the male Needham’s Skimmer’s bright red abdomen and orange tinted wings make identification relatively easy. They are strong fliers and spend much of their time patrolling wetlands, searching for small flying insects on which they feed. Luckily for photographers they will also perch in the open on vegetation – look for them in summer flying around the tidal pond and marsh at the Peterson Refuge. Needham’s Skimmer is named after the well-known American entomologist and dragonfly researcher, James G. Needham. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Muskrat Ondatrazi bethicus The muskrat is a semi aquatic mammal of freshwater wetlands and saltmarshes. Living in family groups, muskrats build dens to escape cold weather and predators and to rear young. When living in streams or ponds the dens are dug into banks. Those that live in marshes often build mounds or lodges that can be up to three feet high. Muskrats primarily eat plants but will eat an occasional frog, crawfish, or other small animal. The muskrat’s short dense fur is of high quality and was used for clothing by Native Americans. Muskrat fur continued to be prized throughout most of the twentieth century and trapping was and still is (although to a lesser extent today) a common practice in Delaware’s marshlands. (Image courtesy of Bob Meadows, DNREC)
	Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus This small, stout-bodied member of the killifish family Fundulidae, is a major aquatic component of the food chain of the Peterson Marsh. Wading birds like the Great Blue Heron and Great Egret stalk the shallows, and game fish dart through the tidal pond and guts in search of this abundant fish. The hardy Mummichogs can best be observed in shallow pools or tidal guts as they congregate in large numbers especially at high tide. They are omnivorous and feed on a large variety of small invertebrates and plants. They are also known to scavenge on large dead fish and other animals in the water. (Image courtesy of Bob Meadows, DNREC)
	Eastern Snapping Turtle Chelydra serpentina serpentine The most powerful reptile in our area, “Snappers” are aggressive predators and scavengers that can grow to 20 inches. At the Peterson Wildlife Refuge, snapping turtles can be found in the pools, tidal guts, the boardwalk lagoon and the Christina River. In late spring to early summer, females leave the water to search for suitable nesting sites and may dig several nest cavities before settling on a site, possibly to confuse predators. Twenty to forty eggs are deposited which normally hatch in August and September. Snapping turtles are collected for food, especially for the popular snapper soup. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Common Carp Cyprinus carpio Native to Europe and Asia, this large, bottom-dwelling fish was introduced into the USA in the late 1800s. Growing up to 25 inches long, with record fish weighing as much as 50 lbs., carp are omnivorous — feeding on aquatic plants and invertebrates. Considered a nuisance by biologists, this invasive species can be found in just about all freshwater habitats with open water. At the Peterson Marsh, look for them swimming in shallow water in the tidal pond, especially at low tide. (Common Carp caught by Greg White Conowingo Dam, MD; Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)
	Striped Bass Morone saxatilis The Striped Bass, also called “Rockfish” or “Striper”, is one of the top predators in the waters off the Atlantic coast. Although this large, fast-swimming fish spends much of its life at sea, each spring mature Striped Bass migrate into estuaries such as the Delaware Bay and River and up freshwater rivers to spawn. Marshes like those in the Peterson Refuge act as nursery areas for young stripers. These game fish are much sought after by anglers along the Atlantic coast. (Image courtesy of Bob Meadows, DNREC)
	Northern Watersnake Nerodia sipedon sipedon The Northern Watersnake is the most commonly encountered snake along the edges in creeks, rivers, ponds, marshes and swamps. This relatively large (up to 40 inches long), semi aquatic snake feeds primarily on fish and amphibians. Although not dangerous to humans, this snake will bite if handled, and while it is non-venomous, the Northern Watersnake can be aggressive when harassed by predators or curious humans. At the Peterson Refuge look for these impressive animals on sunny, warm mornings when they often bask in the open, on banks, rocks or logs along shorelines. (Image courtesy of Jim White, DNS)