Eddies and Riffles Fast-flowing riffles and slow-moving pools created in re-opened stretches of free-moving water will provide resting and spawning habitat for migrating fish. Also increasing will be the abundance and diversity of insects. An area called Basin Mill Rips serves as a staging area, or resting and feeding grounds, for Barrows goldeneye and other migratory waterfowl. The fast moving water offers more openings in the ice cover during the long winter months where ducks can rest and feed. Diving and dabbling ducks such as common and Barrows goldeneye, ring-necked ducks, black ducks and mallards will find more opportunities to feed on insect larvae once the river is restored and insect diversity increases. As goldeneyes head up toward Canada to breed, it is important that they fatten up before the journey. When they arrive at the breeding grounds there are only very small areas of open water and little feeding opportunity. Without enough fat reserves stored early in the season, the females will be unable to lay eggs. During the early spring, the river serves as a food source and resting place during the day before the waterbirds move onward. NEXT