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Blackwater River

Ecosystem Overview

The Blackwater River ecosystem supports 46 documented wildlife species across 40 taxonomic genera. Located in dorchester county, maryland, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 10 frequently observed species and 9 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Cambridge, Blackwater River hosts 21% more species diversity. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 8 dorchester county County natural areas, placing it in the 75th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

46
Total Species
Documented wildlife species
40
Genus Diversity
Taxonomic genera represented
24
Common Species
Frequently observed species
22
Rare Species
Occasionally documented species
#2
Regional Rank
Out of 8 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common10 species
Common14 species
Occasional13 species
Rare9 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking
#2 of 8 locations
75th percentile for diversity
vs. Cambridge
+21% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 46 total documented species.

Pandion haliaetus

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Very Common14 obs.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

Very Common9 obs.
Ischnura ramburii

Ischnura ramburii

Rambur's Forktail

Very Common7 obs.
Libellula needhami

Libellula needhami

Needham's Skimmer

Very Common5 obs.
Leucophaeus atricilla

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing Gull

Very Common4 obs.
Sterna forsteri

Sterna forsteri

forster’s tern

Common4 obs.
Ardea herodias

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Common4 obs.
Tringa melanoleuca

Tringa melanoleuca

Greater Yellowlegs

Common4 obs.
Ardea alba

Ardea alba

Great Egret

Common4 obs.
Anas platyrhynchos

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Common4 obs.
Tringa flavipes

Tringa flavipes

lesser yellowlegs

Common3 obs.
Larus delawarensis

Larus delawarensis

Ring-billed Gull

Occasional3 obs.
Charadrius vociferus

Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer

Occasional3 obs.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

American White Pelican

Occasional3 obs.
Branta canadensis

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Occasional3 obs.
Chelydra serpentina

Chelydra serpentina

Snapping Turtle

Occasional3 obs.
Fundulus heteroclitus

Fundulus heteroclitus

Killifish

Occasional2 obs.
Enallagma durum

Enallagma durum

Big Bluet

Rare2 obs.
Cygnus columbianus

Cygnus columbianus

whistling swan

Rare2 obs.
Calidris alpina

Calidris alpina

dunlin

Rare2 obs.

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No comparable locations found in this region.

Nearby Wildlife Areas in Dorchester County

Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Blackwater River. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Wildlife Network

These nearby locations complement Blackwater Riverwithin Dorchester County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.

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