Rocks & Shoals

Explore Rocks & Shoals!

Rocks and shoals are small but vital habitats for wildlife, providing nesting, feeding, and sheltering areas for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. These areas are critical for preserving the region’s biological diversity. They provide safe nesting grounds and food resources for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, including shorebirds and fish.

Conservation Efforts

As shoreline development increases, TILT works to protect small islands and shoals from further disturbancest, conserving these habitats in perpetuity. For over 20 years, TILT has partnered with Save the River and volunteers to install exclusion grids on Eagle Wings Shoals and Tidd Island. These grids protect the nests of the Common Tern, NYS threatened species from predators, while preventing nesting competition with Ring-billed Gulls and other waterbirds.

Ecological Importance

Shoals play a crucial role in improving water quality by filtering sediments and supporting nutrient cycling, which helps sustain aquatic life. They also provide vital fish spawning grounds and help redistribute sediments, maintaining the river’s ecological balance.