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.