Local Stormwater Management Pond Turns Up Great Views Of Uncommon Waterfowl

Most mornings after putting in a few hours of work, I check eBird to see if any uncommon birds have been reported in our area. I am not one to jump in my vehicle and drive hundreds of kilometers to potentially see a rarity. In fact, I am just as happy to see a cardinal at my feeder or a woodpecker at the local park as I am to put in hours of driving just to add a lifer to my list. That being said, if a rarity is reported from within my hometown or somewhere close that I have been considering visiting anyway, then I will usually venture out to see if I can locate the bird. 

This past week, a Greater White-fronted Goose and several Canvasbacks were reported from a stormwater management pond only a few minutes from home. Greater White-fronted Geese are mainly found west of the Mississippi while Canvasbacks only frequent Southwestern Ontario during migration and the winter months. Seeing either of these birds in the city in a given year is uncommon, but to find both is quite rare. Planning on taking the day off for some birding anyway, I decided to check the pond to see if these birds were still present.

Wanting to be prepared for any potential images upon arriving at the pond, I powered up my camera, removed the lens cap, and placed it on the passenger seat prior to pulling out of the driveway. As I approached the pond a large flock of Canada Geese was evident before even stopping the car. 

Next to the pond was a large cedar tree which would help conceal me in case any of the waterfowl present were skittish. I parked my car beside the cedar, grabbed my camera from the passenger seat, and slowly exited the vehicle. 

Walking slowly I stayed hidden behind the cedar looking across the pond for my target species. Scanning the water I counted 11 Canvasbacks among the large group of Canada Geese and Mallards. To my delight, the Greater White-fronted Goose was only about 30 yards in front of me in plain view.  None of the waterfowl observed on the pond were phased by my presence, and I was able to step out from behind the cedar and capture several images. 

For those of you in the London area wishing to see these birds, this stormwater management pond is located on Killarney Road across from Cedar Hollow Park just east of Highbury in the northeast corner of the city. Parking is available on the road right next to the pond. 

Most stormwater management ponds in our area are frozen at this time of year making them void of waterfowl. Water entering the pond from the subdivision after the recent melt and accompanying rain must have been substantial enough to break up a section of ice exposing the open water. 

With colder, more seasonal temperatures in the forecast, this pond will likely freeze over and these birds will move on. If achieving excellent views of a Greater White-fronted Goose and several Canvasbacks is something you are hoping for, I recommend visiting this pond before the opportunity passes.  

Good birding,
Paul