Yesterday evening, Thursday, I observed a male wood duck displaying for
two female wood ducks at the small pond at NSCC. I observed them for
at least the last 6 months. The lake is small, and they are easily
disturbed. I have found if I go to the far south end (nearest the
Wellness center), and walk into the trees near the freeway, I can
observe the entire lake without disrupting the residents. The wood
ducks are usually mid-way on the left. There are usually 2-3 pairs of
gadwells, 6-8 mallards, and yesterday there was at least one male
shoveler, and perhaps a female. There is a great blue heron who flys
around here, also. I have never seen it land --but I have seen it
rising, so I know it lands in this reclaimed area. This pond area was
once connected to the south branch of Thornton creek. Technically it
still is by culvert (under the south Northgate parking area and under
the freeway). There is an effort by the Thornton Creek Association to
get most of this part of the creek daylighted, but that's a different
issue.
Since this pond is so small, if you go to see these ducks, please be
respectful of their space. As the expanded reclaimed area grows in,
there may be more protection from disturbance, and hopefully a continued
growth of wildlife.
Security reports that there is a coyote, and recently there have been
20-30 Canada geese in the grass near the college road.

Good birding,

Chris Southwick
chriss at micronics.net