he Copper River Delta is an extremely important stop for migrating birds in the western hemisphere. It is also one of Cordova's central attractions.

The delta is part of the hemisphere's Shorebird Network. In the spring, more than 20 million birds of 240 species stop and rest at the Copper River Delta. These include many shorebirds, ducks, geese, cranes, swans, hawks and eagles.

The number of birds coming through the delta is at its height in April and May. Many species stay and nest in the delta area.

The 1964 Alaska Earthquake raised the Copper River Delta by a few feet, and this allowed many nesting sites to become vulnerable to foxes, coyotes and bears.

Willows have grown up, letting predators creep close to the nests without being seen in areas that were once wet but are now dry.

For this reason, biologists have built nesting sites for some of the geese.