Playas are like the town square for wildlife on the plains—supporting 185 bird species, 450 plant species, 13 amphibian species, and 37 mammal species at some point during their life. In this prairie landscape, playas are the main source of water, providing much-needed rest stops and food to migrating waterfowl and shorebirds as well as resident prairie birds. Even when playas have been dry for years, within days of a big rain storm perennial plants show up and eggs hatch to become small invertebrates such as fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, clam shrimp, and snails. This bursting-forth of plant and animal life provides a ready feast for local and migrating birds.