Stragglers from their native Central and South America, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) have been expanding their range in recent years.
There is a small but healthy flock in the pond beside the Tolomato Island causeway.
They’re fascinating to watch and are generally not very wary of human presence.
one of my neighbors noticed the Whistling ducks last summer & started leaving deer corn for them on a daily basis.I do believe this encouraged the ducks to stay around & flourish. The pond is in the best condition I have seen in my 30 years of living on the peninsula .The photo is great.
These beautiful ducks began showing up last season and raised two clutches of chicks. 86 Species of birds have been seen and recorded here by a local avid birder. Of course the Wood Stork loves Tolomato Pond and is the official mascot of the community. This is one of the finest habitats for coastal birds and is in the hub of 5 National and State WMAs. Thanks for photographing and sharing our treasure. There is a small observation deck off the trail to the West side of the pond.
Thanks for the background info, Hugh! The pond is a great habitat, for sure, and I plan to visit the trail in cooler weather.