Oxbow Wetland

As rivers and streams meander back and forth across the land, they carve away sediments from their banks, and sharp curves can form a loop that is gradually shut off from the flow of water; the area removed from the river or stream's pathway is termed an oxbow. Oxbows are very important for storing floodwaters and provide excellent wildlife habitat, serving as spawning, nursery, and food production areas for fish and as seasonal habitat for migrating birds. They benefit endangered species as well as species important to the river and people, including catfish, bass, crappie, sauger, walleye, and waterfowl.

North Dakota · United States