WINTER WATERFOWL 



During the winter of 1976, the first year of protection from 

 waterfowl hunting, only about 75 ducks were to be seen at one time 

 on the upper mill pond. This is a large, open area where summer 

 and fall seed production by a variety of wetland plants creates 

 an abundance of food for winter waterfowl. 



During the winter of 1977 about 300 ducks were seen, mostly 

 mallards and black ducks. In 1978 this increased to about 1,000 

 birds, and in 1979 and 1980 from 1,000 to 2,000 could be seen on 

 some dates, with up to 14 species of ducks present (see site bird 

 list) . Canada geese have been known to occasionally visit the 

 pond in large flocks. Snow geese and whistling swans sometimes 

 overfly the area. Whether or not they use the pond for feeding 

 is unknown . 



Osprey visit the area in spring and fall, and have been 

 observed fishing successfully on the upper pond. Wild turkey were 

 once numerous on the site, according to several older residents 

 who used to hunt them on the property, sometimes killing several 

 in one day. They were nearly extirpated from the county, but now 

 under full protection, seem to be making a comeback. A small flock 

 of about three birds was reported south of the park in 1980. If 

 protection is continued, they should eventually find their way 

 into the park and become a permanent part of its bird fauna. As 

 pine successional areas are replaced by mature, mast-producing 

 hardwoods, the park should contain excellent wild turkey habitat. 



There have been occasional rare sightings of such species 

 as anhinga, purple gallinule, glossy and white ibis and red- 

 cockaded woodpecker. 



Other species lists include 11 turtles, 6 lizards, 16 snakes, 

 2 salamanders and 11 frogs and toads. There are undoubtedly more 

 species, especially of the amphibians to be collected. 



Twenty six mammals have been found. No detailed small 

 mammal study has been conducted, and it is certain that a few 

 species have escaped notice. The natural area constitutes 

 excellent habitat for wetland mammals. The park serves as a 

 refuge for these species, which are maintained everywhere by 

 trapping, at levels far below those at which they would have 

 a natural interaction with the environment. The park boundary 

 upstream and downstream is lined with traps each winter. 



River otter occur on the park, probably denning in 

 abandoned or active beaver lodges. There have been only three 

 sightings of bobcat within the park since its inception, plus 

 one sighting several years earlier. Mink den on the park, and 

 have been seen with young in the mill pond. All three of these 



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