When we think about indicators of stream health, we generally think of macroinvertebrates such as the larvae of damselflies or mayflies, or "herps" like frogs and salamanders. But birds can also be an indicator of stream health. 

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The presence of Louisiana waterthrush during the breeding season can tell us a thing or two about water quality.  You can hear the "sweer sweer sweer" call of the Louisiana waterthrush at the Laurels Preserve along Buck Run and its tributaries, indicating that these portions of stream are quite healthy.

To hear the call of the Louisiana waterthrush or learn more about this species, click here:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Louisiana_Waterthrush/id

To read more about the Louisiana waterthrush as an indicatior species, click here:
http://aba.org/birding/v43n3p32.pdf