Bird Board
Tamarac Exotic Duck Pond
Posted by Kyle
almost 8 years ago
5 Comments
I'm curious on people's opinions of this birding spot. I understand that the exotic ducks were most likely released here (plumed whistler, ruddy shellduck, pintail, ponchard) but what about the waterfowl that are reasonable finds for Florida? Ie: Wood duck, Fulvous Whistler, Redhead, Green-winged teal.
Any insight or info on this spot would be much appreciated!
Comments
The guy who released the exotics also released some natives. The Green-winged Teal female is supposedly an injured release and cannot fly. The Northern Shovler female, Northern Pintail male and the Redheads stay all year around and most likely released. The Wood Ducks might originally have been released but they seem to migrate. The two native whistling ducks are also probably releases that stay all year but in past years wild versions also landed in the pond and intermingled with them and who left and who stayed is unknown (none were banded). Mallard hybrids, mute swans and Barn yard geese are all released. Muscovy and Egyptian Geese are like the rest in the state.
The emu is a natural bird that flew in one year. LOL
Thanks, Steven. That's pretty much what I was anticipating. The Redhead and Fulvous would have been lifers for me but I'm hesitant to count them given the circumstances.
The 'birder' in me wouldn't count those exotics...but the photographer side of me would love to get photographs of some of these ducks. Where does one park to see this pond? It's a bit of a hike south for me, but if I could photograph some of these it would be worth a quick trip. If the photographing spot is far away from the actual birds, I presume I should bring a long lens like my 600mm?
Agreed, unfortunately. Photography is good but it can be hit or miss depending how far away the birds are. 600mm is certainly recommended, I used my 200-500. I got lucky with the Plumed Whistler and the the Ruddy Shellducks being on the bank when I arrived. The Mute Swan was also near enough for nice shots (it was flying back in from somewhere a few minutes after I arrrived). The pintail, fulvous, redhead, etc were on the opposite side of the lake.
When you arrive, turn into the small alley behind the shopping center and check the bank of the small canal. Then go back out and make a quick right into the bigger shopping center parking lot. Towards the end of the parking lot you'll see the back of the lake on your right. This is your best view of the whole lake, where you'll want to set up. Unfortunately, there's no way in on the other side near the houses.
Good luck!
Here's the link to my visit there with some pictures attached.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S34963145?share=true
The location Tamarac Exotic Duck Pond is surrounded by private house, there’s no way to access this pond!!!! Any help would appreciated please, thanks again.
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