A September 9, 2021 photo of the east pond going dry. Photo by Mark Martin
If you have visited Goose Pond Sanctuary recently, you may have noticed the abnormally low water depths currently being experienced. While this sight may at first seem like cause for concern, in actuality it presents an exciting opportunity for migrating birds and those who love them. Water levels are typically much higher at this time of year, and there have also been rare instances in the past of the pond drying out completely. Depths currently found on the pond are exceedingly rare.
This unique occurrence is aligning perfectly with fall migration to create a perfect storm for huge quantities of birds to choose Goose Pond as a stopover site.
While the west side of the pond still remains fully underwater, the decreased depth has begun attracting masses of wetland birds drawn to the foraging conditions associated with shallow waters. Consistent sightings on the west side of the pond throughout the past few weeks include American White Pelicans, Great Egrets, and daily counts of hundreds of dabbling ducks such as Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Gadwalls, and Northern Pintails. These species are all examples of birds that prefer shallow water for easier foraging.
Northern Pintail at Goose Pond, photo by Monica Hall
Migrating waterfowl undergo a change in their diet following the end of breeding season. Many will transition from a heavy focus on proteinaceous invertebrates to energy rich carbohydrates like seeds, aquatic vegetation, and tubers to fuel the demands of long distance migration. Dabbling ducks in particular should be very pleased with conditions in the west pond, as according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife the ideal water depth for these species is quite low; between 4 and 12 inches.
On the other hand, the privately owned east side of the pond has dried out extensively, exposing vast areas of mud flats that represent perfect shorebird habitat. This assertion is backed up by eBird data for Goose Pond, which shows that high counts for wetland and other birds since August 19th included 200 American Golden Plovers, and two Peregrine Falcons reported by Spike Middleton; 37 Greater Yellowlegs, 120 Killdeers, 6 Lincoln’s Sparrows, and 2 Tennessee Warblers reported by Aaron Holschbach; 30 Black-bellied Plovers and 8 Solitary Sandpipers reported by Scott and Ann Swengle; 6 Buff-breasted Sandpipers reported by Caitlyn Schuchhardt; 5 Long-billed Dowitchers reported by Cicero Stewart; 113 Great Egrets reported by Tucker Sanborn; and 40 Cedar Waxwings reported by Weson Robertson.
While they may not be as abundant, there has also been an impressive number of sightings of species rarely seen in Southern Wisconsin. These exciting finds include the Hudsonian Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope, and three Ibis (glossy or white-faced; it becomes difficult to differentiate the two species in fall plumage).
Hudsonian Godwit, photo by Tom Benson FCC
Shorebirds are known to have some of the longest migrations in the avian community, with many travelling from arctic nesting grounds all the way to wintering grounds in Central and South America. This makes suitable stopover habitat critically important, as they rely on the forage found at stopover sites to balance out the incredible amount of energy expended on migration routes that can be over 4,000 miles. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, invertebrates and aquatic insects remain the main component of the average shorebird diet even throughout migration. For this reason, a majority prefer moist muddy areas with water under four inches deep, making the puddle-laden mud flats of the east pond an ideal destination. In fall migration, 21 of the 35 shorebird species that have a record at Goose Pond have been spotted, with more sure to follow!
Naturally, the vast majority of the beneficiaries of the water conditions are wetland birds. However, there are additional, perhaps less obvious types of birds that are joining in on the action at Goose Pond as well. The aggregation of so many species in one place offers an attractive hunting spot for species that prey on other birds. A prime example is the two Peregrine Falcons that have been spotted around the pond hunting waterfowl, American Coots, and shorebirds including the elusive Hudsonian Godwit. Perhaps this should come as no surprise, as the Peregrine Falcon’s diet consists of a tremendous variety of fellow bird species. According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the peregrine has been observed preying on 450 different species of birds, with documented kills ranging in size from hummingbirds to Sandhill Cranes! With that being said, their typical prey includes shorebirds, ducks, and grebes, making the current situation on the pond a lucrative opportunity for the species.
Colby the Peregrine Falcon, photographed by Al Roske. Copyright Al Roske
One especially interesting tidbit is that one of the falcons at the pond was photographed by Al Roske, which upon further examination showed that the individual was banded with a silver Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) band and two colored bands. After reporting the finding to the FWS, we learned that the individual was Colby, a four-year-old male that had been banded by Greg Septon at the MG&E Power Plant in downtown Madison. This is the first time he has been reported!
Whether you have never birded before or have been for years, the upcoming weeks will be as good of a time as any to see what fall migration has to offer at Madison Audubon’s Goose Pond Sanctuary! Even if you are not able to make the trip in person, you can still check in on the wildlife at the pond through the Goose Pond Cam! Everyone is welcome to join staff and volunteers that will be on Prairie Lane for a “Birding at Goose Pond ” field trip from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday October 31st (Halloween).
In addition, Madison Audubon encourages anyone who does partake in birdwatching in-person to record their observations on eBird, as this helps us get a full picture of the wildlife that is utilizing the preserve. We would also like to thank everyone who has already uploaded checklists at Goose Pond, as the data was used extensively in writing this article. Happy birding!
Written by Luke DeBiasio, seasonal employee at Goose Pond Sanctuary
