Today at work I received a call from someone who, while raving about what a great facility the Town's Swan Pond Preserve has become, complained of the stagnant water, algal blooms and "lack of waterfowl to feed". I explained to him how the pond system works, that it's been a very dry summer, and that the pond now has frogs and fish in it (indicators it's a healthy system). Despite my pleas he was still dissatisfied and convinced that the ponds were in terrible shape, largely due to the lack of ducks.
On my way home I stopped by to see if there was something that needed attention - but much to my delight, the ponds were in perfect order. Seen were: 2 Spotted Sandpipers (I accidentally flushed one and when it landed in the center island I noticed the second) 1 Eastern Kingbird hawking 1 American Goldfinch (there will likely be many more to come over the next few weeks as there are many thistle plants blooming) 1 Great Egret feeding in the pond 1 Swan (This swan has some fishing line around it's neck - attempts to capture have been unsuccessful) 1 Mallard 1 Osprey fly-over numerous song-sparrows (the most common bird there, no matter what day/season) barn swallows, crows, cardinals and robins Non-birds included a very close encounter with a munching muskrat before it spooked and took off into the river, several monarch butterflies (a wonderful sight to see), several black-swallowtail butterflies, multiple species of damselfly/dragonfly as well as vocal green frogs (in addition to the wide range of blooming plants/flowers. The point is, the pond and surrounding system is absolutely thriving, despite the lack of ducks. I think the person who called had the very best intentions, but has forgotten what it's like to truly look for nature and realize that just because animas don't come swimming up to you in search of food, doesn't mean they're not around. -- - Luke Ormand Instagram: @JrookPhotos <https://www.instagram.com/jrookphotos/?hl=en> Website: Luke Ormand and & JRookPhotos <http://www.lukeormand.zenfolio.com> -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
