We have about just over 40 species that nest along the river, but we have documented 193 species, and I've seen all 193 species.

Across the river, to my left is where the wetlands start.

They are constructed wetlands.

They're not natural.

It started back in about 2005, 2006, as the town decided that they wanted to create something that would be beneficial for our community as well as nature.

Before the wetlands, the field behind me often had cattle grazing there.

There was also a gravel pit down there.

There's three different ways that the water gets into the wetlands.

And the one that we liked the most is the geothermal water.

Most wetlands don't have that hot water, and the hot water makes it possible for the birds to live over the winter instead of migrating.

So it just opens up the area to more animals and birds that can survive here.

Over the winter.

From when I first arrived 20 years ago and started birding, this stretch that I had maybe 40 or 50 birds.

Now we have 193 species.

The improvement of this habitat has provided food and shelter and nest sites for a lot more species than before we improve it.

So you could stand here and see the variety.

It's never the same.

I can be out here every day for 20 years and see something new each day.