TABUSINTAC, NEW BRUNSWICK -- The Nature Conservancy of Canada is buying two properties in northeastern New Brunswick with the goal of protecting bird habitats.

The group said today that 24 hectares of bog, forest and salt marsh in the Tabusintac Estuary are being combined with three hectares of donated land near the Village of Neguac.

The larger property is on the shores of Tabusintac River estuary, a site known as a location for breeding and migrating birds.

The area provides a home for large flocks of waterfowl such as black ducks, Canada goose and common eiders.

Bald eagles, osprey and northern harrier feed and rest just offshore and in salt marsh pools.

Other bird species in this area include common tern, osprey and great blue herons.