By Will Cook
Overview: Three concrete settling ponds usually have dozens of Bufflehead in the winter. This spot only takes a few minutes to bird.
Getting there: There's a very small parking space and gate 1.6 miles south of Hwy. 64 on Beaver Creek Road (SR1008) on the east side of Jordan Lake. It's on the left, between Poplar Point and Ebenezer, shortly after Tody Goodwin Road. Easy to miss. Look for the ponds through the pine trees. Be sure not to block the gate. A park ranger is likely to come check to make sure you're not hunting in a no-hunting zone.
Coordinates for Google Earth/Maps: 35 42 52 N, 79 00 32.3 W
Where to go: Walk past the gate, past a dump area, to a hill overlooking the ponds.
What to look for: Usually packed with 60+ Bufflehead throughout the winter. Also good for Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal (in migration). Has had Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye. Occasionally there's a shorebird on the pond margin.
Facilities: None.
When to visit: Fall through Spring.
Revised 12/29/2008 cwcook@duke.edu
Triangle Birder's Guide home | Chatham/Jordan Lake | Durham/Falls Lake | Orange | Wake