Kalkar Open Space

This Green Heron (Butorides virescens) was seen at the end of 2024 in one of the Willow trees it likes to frequent in the pond. Image by Grant Pogson.

Two pairs of Hooded Mergansers arrived in late November - this is one of the pairs (female on left, male on right). Image by Grant Pogson.

Belted Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon) are a favorite at Kalkar. People appreciate their charismatic fishing techniques, cool call, and interesting looks. This picture is from Grant Pogson.

A photogenic Cedar waxwing from Kalkar Pond. They often fly in flocks over the pond.

The Pied-Billed Grebes are a native wetland species, but, they are a mixed bag. They are sometimes aggressively territorial and since they arrived, they've harassed and thus prevented Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, and other arrivals from sticking around. This lovely image shows them in their finest light, and outside of breeding season, they have also been less annoying to the other birds.

Photo by Brant Pogson

This remarkable image of a recent resident was taken by Bruce Lyon.

This beautiful photo of a phoebe was taken by retired UCSC Professor Bruce Lyon.