Notable bird species have been spotted this winter at Goose Pond

Although the winter season has marked a pause in the on-going restoration process of the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, the forces of mother nature have continued turning the wetland area into a sanctity for several bird species.

Brad Feaster, property manager at Goose Pond, explained that several notable bird species have been spotted this winter, many of which are uncommon during this season.

Bird species noted at the wetland area have ranged from being on the endangered list to others listed as a state special concern.

One such state-endangered species, the King Rail, has made its appearance at the wetland. The King Rail has historically been very scarce in Indiana.

Two or three broods of King Rail have also used the habitat as a nesting ground.

Birds listed as special concerns such as the American Bitterin, LeContes Sparrow, and Dickcissel have also used the natural habitat as a stopping ground.

"None of these birds are common to this area in the winter time," Feaster stressed. "This indicates some pretty good habitat on the ground. It also might indicate milder weather."

A recent bird count of different species in the area also proved to be encouraging, he said.

"The Christmas bird count had pretty good results. A total of 94 species were counted -- the second highest in the state," Feaster said.

One Whooping Crane -- which is a migratory species -- has also recently used the marsh habitat as its home.

Feaster explained, "This winter for two months we had a Whooping Crane that stayed on the property. It just left here in mid-January."

Eagles have also made appearances on properties adjacent to the Goose Pond, Feaster said.

Hunting season at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area went quite well to, he added. A total of 331 quail were harvested in the hunt.

"We also had a pretty good duck year," he said. "Despite the warm weather, the season was kind of slow and steady but 1,000 ducks were counted."

The entire wetland restoration project, which will include 5,500 acres of water, is tentatively set to be completed by the end of summer in 2009. Restoration of Beehunter Marsh is currently complete and several units of the Goose Pond area are also finished. The restoration of prairie grass to the area has also been completed.