One can see that wetlands of all sizes and shapes are found in this area. The smallest wetlands warm up early in the spring and raise large numbers of insect larvae that ducks and other birds feed on. The middle-sized wetlands hold water for a longer portion of the year and provide both safety and food for hens and ducklings. The large wetlands are big, safer areas for waterfowl and other water birds to stage (gather) before migration. However, they usually don't hold as much insect food (especially if fish or minnows are present).