The Delaware Bay Through Photo’s

In the most developed state in the nation, along the southern shoreline at the mouth of the Delaware River, lays a vast expanse of productive waters, salt-marsh and forest.

Spartina Alterniflora, a salt-water tolerant grass that has evolved to survive the bays harsh conditions, dominates the salt marshes.

In area's inundated with tidal salt water every day Spartina grows in "tall form" manner (below), whereas areas only inundated during storm tides grow in a "short form" (above).

This is a matter of necessity to escape the water for the tall form, and less nutrients deposited from the water for the short form.

Sea-Side Golden Rod grows prolifically along the sand dunes away from the water, providing a life line for migrating Monarch Butterflies.

Diamond Backed-Terrapin Turtles also inhabit the bays brackish waters and come ashore every summer to lay their eggs.

Also in early summer, thousands of Horseshoe Crab's come ashore to lay their beady eggs in the sand (below).

Note: The author was doing Egg-Density Surveys with trained professionals, under absolutely no other circumstances should you touch the Horseshoe Crab's Egg's.

If you would like to visit the Delaware Bay there are plenty of not only Wildlife Management Area's, but also privately owned nature sanctuaries, coastal communities and marinas open to the public.