A slough is a swampy area that can be next to a bay or estuary. An estuary is a place where fresh water from a river flows into and mixes with salt water from the ocean.

The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. They are 4 to 5 feet tall and their wingspan can be up to 9-1/2 feet! They winter along the coast, but breed inland. Several pelicans may fish for food cooperatively, flying in a circle to concentrate the fish, and then dipping their heads under the water simultaneously to catch their dinner. You can see pelicans flying and fishing together at the Palo Alto Baylands.

Double crested cormorants are 2 to 3 feet tall and have a wingspan of over 4 feet. They dive deep into the water searching for food and can stay under for 30 to 70 seconds! They feed on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. Double creseted cormorants can be found at inland bays, salt-water marshes, and occasionally along creeks. These birds don't use oil to waterproof their feathers, because the oil would make them float when they attempt to dive. Instead, they spread their wings in the sun to dry.

The Great blue heron is one of the largest birds seen at the wetlands, standing 3 to 4 feet tall with a wingspan of 6.5-7 feet! It eats mainly fish, which is catches by standing very still and upright and then quickly spearing its prey with its dagger-like bill. This bird is found most often in fresh water marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, sand spits, mud flats, and ponds. Great blue herons nest in colonies, preferably in tall trees.

The Cinnamon teal is a small duck, only 1-1/2 feet long with a 2-foot wingspan. It dabbles in the water to collect its food, which consists mainly of aquatic plants, seeds, algae, crustaceans and insects. The Cinnamon Teal can be found in marshes, ponds, creeks, or riverbeds with thin vegetation. The teal's small size helps it leap into flight directly from water and makes it one of the smallest ducks in the northern hemisphere.