Overview: This little pond in the middle of a big dairy operation is a real bird magnet and always worth a stop.
Getting there: To get there from I-40, take the L. Wheeler road exit, follow L Wheeler Rd. south, and turn left into the gravel driveway of the N.C. dairy educational unit (or something like that). It's the first left after you pass Mid-Pines Road on the right. If you get to Penny Rd. (and Yates Millpond) on the right, you've gone too far. Follow the driveway in past cow pastures and a large barn. As it curves to the right, you'll get a great view of the little pond.
What to look for: This little pond is often packed with ducks. On 1/17/98 this small pond was packed with ducks, including an amazing 60 N. Shovelers rotating in several flotillas! It's a good spot for Greater Scaup, too, though we just saw Lessers this time. Check the shoreline for shorebirds. In winter, there are often flocks of American Pipits around. And there are thousands of Starlings and Cowbirds, which often attract hawks.
After you've birded the pond, drive down Mid-Pines Road. This little-traveled dirt road has wide open fields and brushy areas. It can be great for sparrows, pipits, shrikes, and other field birds.
Revised 16 February 2000/cwcook@duke.edu