Castalia+Pond

Also, see Castalia Birding Drive
 * =Birding in Ohio=

Erie County
=Castalia Pond= Spring Street Castalia, Ohio 44824

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Castalia Pond
Coordinates: 41.39789, -82.8054988 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

Tips for birding Castalia Pond
From Lake Erie Birding Trail website From Ohio Ornithological Society website

Castalia Pond is often called the "Duck Pond," and with good cause. Waterfowl are the highlights of this 10-acre pond, which is fed by artesian springs and remains ice-free throughout winter. Over 10,000 ducks and geese can congregate in favorable winters. The fowl become accustomed to people, and close-up views are the norm, along with great photographic opportunities. From Lake Erie Birding Trail website

This pond of approximately 10 acres is a “blue hole”; a spring that stays open year-round attracting large concentrations of waterfowl after the freeze-up of the Sandusky Bay region, typically the 3rd week of December. The optimal time for visitation is 1 January through 10 February, although any visit after 1 November and through 10 March can be rewarding. Numbers have reached 17,000 birds (in the late 70’s) although in recent decades the high count has been 11,000, and more typically the concentration peaks at 7-8000 ducks and 1000 geese. Mild seasons, with little ice on Lake Erie in the Western Basin, allow waterfowl to disperse, so check ice conditions on lake Erie. January is by far the most consistent month for optimal viewing. Most are Mallards and formerly up to 2500 American Black Ducks. One can expect 12-14 species of ducks and perhaps 2-3 other water birds on any given day. What makes Castalia Pond a “must visit” during winter is the close proximity with which one may study or photograph the birds. Examining waterfowl for either reading the numbers on goose collars, plumage study of the numerous hybrids, or other age and sex details, is afforded here like few other sites. The Mallard X American Black Duck hybrid is the most common, but Mallard X Northern Pintail and the Mallard X Gadwall (Brewer’s Duck) has also been recorded here. From From Ohio Ornithological Society website

Trumpeter Swan Photo by Ed Wransky || media type="custom" key="26688824"

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Castalia Pond looking south

Castalia Pond looking north

Castalia Pond effluent looking north || L247833 US US-OH US-OH-043 41.39789 -82.8054988 Castalia Pond