This male ring-necked duck arrived in the pond a week ago. The grebes attack most new arrivals, and the ring-necked duck was not spared this welcome. However, he persisted, and seems to have lost the attention of the grebes. He hangs out with the coots who are tough enough to fend off grebes, and who don't seem to mind the duck.

Photo by Grant Pogson

I particularly love hearing great-tailed grackles while I work in the pond. This year we have 2 pairs. While we've have many baby birds (e.g., grebes, ducks, red-winged blackbirds, phoebes), so far, we haven't seen baby grackles. Thanks to Grant Pogson for the image.

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.