Happenings at the Duck Pond

I'm lucky that the town where I live has plenty of natural areas to observe and photograph wildlife.  Throughout the spring I made a regular circuit of these parks, trying to get photos of the latest feathered arrivals.  But the one park I had the most luck spotting birds was the most unlikely place of them all.

It was a "Cedar waxwing eating berries" kind of day.

In a nearby suburban neighborhood lies a small lake.  This lake is ringed by homes on three sides, with a small wetland anchoring the fourth.  Created by the developer of this area, the lake was built by deepening a natural wetland and trenching its nearby creek.  A mile-long paved path circles the lake, and three wooden fishing docks extend into its waters.  There's a playground at one end, and benches and picnic tables on the shore.  Wildly popular with locals, there's always lots dog walkers, runners, and fisherman here.  When my kids were little, I used to bring them here to feed the ducks.  Thus, it became nicknamed the "duck pond."

A very talented bird!

You wouldn't think such a well-used suburban lake would be home to a great variety of birds and waterfowl.  But it is!

Gorging on elderberries

In the winter, ducks of many varieties swim in the lake's waters.  They are joined by huge flocks of Canada Geese.  In the spring, several species of migratory birds stop by on their way to summer quarters.  And of course, there are birds that make their homes here year-round.  

This one is eating the green berries

Besides photographing the cute ducklings and goslings that are born here every spring, this year I was lucky enough to catch the beautiful Cedar waxwings as they migrated through.  Several elderberry bushes were producing berries about that time, and Cedar waxwings love them.  I soon learned these berry bushes were the place to find waxwings.

Green heron catching a fish

The other unusual bird I've had luck spotting at the duck pond is the elusive green heron.  Normally a very shy, secretive bird, I've observed at least two adult green herons fishing on the lake's brushy shoreline.

Mama green heron building her nest

One mother green heron even built a nest in a tree in close proximity to the paved walking path.  She just hatched a brood of four babies (photos coming soon!) 

Newly fledged barn swallows beg their mother for food

One day I spotted a group of newly fledged barn swallows sitting on a branch overhanging the water.  Since the babies were now old enough to be on their own, the mother was trying to feed them less.  But every time mom flew by, the youngsters made a ruckus, opening their mouths and flapping wings.  Typical teen-agers!

Juvenile green heron practicing fishing

A nest of green heron babies recently fledged and could easily be found along the shoreline.  It was fun to watch their antics.  I watched one little guy practice his fishing skills by capturing leaves from the water.  The birds didn't appear to be afraid of humans, or the many photographers vying for a picture.

Juvenile green heron 

The juvenile green herons were so cute - they hadn't yet lost their baby down on top.  I loved their fluffy little heads!

I love his fluffy head!

Because of the many bird species found at this lake, it's become a hot spot for birders and wildlife photographers.  I've met several local photographers here.  People carrying cameras with huge, white zoom lenses seem to attract each other!  A few of the photographers live nearby and seem to always be at the lake.  I've come to know a couple of them - it's always fun to chat about the latest bird sightings. 

Blue heron eating a fish

Of course, watching wildlife means you will also experience the "circle of life."  Since the "duck pond" is full of fish, it isn't only the fisherman that are catching.  One day I discovered the resident blue heron with a fish in his beak.  After shaking it around a bit, he opened his mouth and down it went!  And the other day I happened to look over the water and spot a Pied-billed grebe bob up with a crawdad.

Pied-billed grebe with a crawdad

 It's been a wonderful spring and summer thus far at the duck pond.  There's always something interesting to see in this most unlikely urban water body.