Fowl River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fowl River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Mobile County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 30°33′22″N 88°14′07″W / 30.55602°N 88.23528°W |
| River mouth | 30°27′00″N 88°06′31″W / 30.45013°N 88.10872°W (East Fowl River) 30°21′51″N 88°11′16″W / 30.36414°N 88.18775°W (West Fowl River) 0 m (0 ft) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | Mississippi Coastal |
The Fowl River is a fascinating waterway in Mobile County, Alabama. It flows for about 14.4-mile-long (23.2 km) and is known for its unique brackish water. This means it's a mix of fresh water from the land and salty water from the ocean.
The river starts near the town of Theodore. As it flows, it splits into two main branches: the East Fowl River and the West Fowl River. The East Fowl River eventually empties into Mobile Bay. The West Fowl River flows into the Mississippi Sound.
The name "Fowl River" comes from the early French settlers. They called it the Riviere aux Poules, which means "River of Chickens" or "Fowl River" in English.
Contents
Understanding the Fowl River Estuary
The Fowl River is part of a much larger natural system. It's located within what scientists call a "drowned river valley estuary." Imagine a river valley that slowly got filled with water from the ocean over a very long time. That's what happened here!
What is an Estuary?
An estuary is a special place where a river meets the sea. It's a mix of fresh water from rivers and salty water from the ocean. This creates a unique environment that many plants and animals call home. The Fowl River estuary is about 31 miles long and 23 miles wide. It covers a huge area of over 250,000 acres.
Why is the Estuary Important?
This estuary is quite shallow, usually less than 10 feet deep. This makes it a perfect "transition area." It connects the freshwater wetlands of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to the north with the salty ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the south. This connection is vital for many species.
A Home for Wildlife
Estuaries like the Fowl River provide important habitats. Many fish, crabs, and other sea creatures use estuaries as nurseries. Young animals can grow safely here before moving to deeper ocean waters. Birds also rely on estuaries for food and resting spots during migration.
Protecting the Environment
Estuaries also help filter pollution from rivers before it reaches the ocean. They act like natural sponges, protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. Keeping the Fowl River and its estuary healthy is important for both wildlife and people.
