Friends of West Pond

Springtime at the Pond

Branchload of Bushtit Babies

The Friends of West Pond is a volunteer association of people who enjoy the wildlife habitat at the West Area Pond in Davis. The Friends welcome new members and there is no obligation of time or money. While you enjoy spending time here, just keep a watchful eye on wildlife and human activities in and around West Pond and share anything new or different going on. Inappropriate activities should be reported to the Davis Police Dept.

To join The Friends of West Pond email <grtrapp@comcast.net>
Send your photos and join the conversation on http://www.facebook.com/FriendsofWestPond

The Pond is an enhanced wetland wildlife habitat, while its primary purpose is to retain stormwater runoff and help prevent flooding. In the dry months, water is provided by a supplementary well. The Pond is enclosed by a security fence and is designated a "Wildlife Preserve" and "Sensitive Habitat Area" by the City of Davis. Native trees and shrubs grow on the slopes around the Pond and provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife. The Public Works Dept. manages the water levels and vegetation inside the fenced area, and the Greenbelt is maintained under the direction of Community Services/Parks Division.

Volunteers have planted and maintain the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden and Native Pollinator Garden. On '"CA Coastal Cleanup Day" each September, we go inside the fence and pick up trash and recyclables. Watch for the announcement in The Davis Enterprise.

Birding with Ralph

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Looking for some weekly or occasional exercise in a pleasant Davis environment? Every Wednesday at 9AM, join Ralph Hunter for a one and a half mile, two hour birding and botanizing walk in the West Pond area and adjacent greenbelts. Trips will start at 9:00 AM at the Gazebo at the park at the west end of Isle Royale Ln. Please bring binoculars. Contact Ralph with questions at 415 410-4247. Trips co-sponsored by The Friends of West Pond and the Yolo Audubon Society.
Ralph has been a birder for some 60 years and is a former facilitator of plant ID workshops, Yerba Buena (San Francisco) Chapter of California Native Plant Society. As Ralph says, the beauty of regular visits to a specific location is an increased understanding of the seasonal variation in plant and animal activities. Moreover, regular visits reveal further details that are readily missed with single or infrequent observations. The West Pond area is a very comfortable locale for birding which is easily accessible with level paved paths. Ralph invites us all to join him.

In fact, The Greenbelt is perfect for birdwatching all year around.

Checklist of Birds to download and print:Checklist of Birds at West Pond, 2012.pdf
Checklist of Butterflies observed 2007-present, many with photos: Butterflies observed in the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden.pdf

One of three information signs

Immature Black-crowned Night Heron Green Herons are common at the Pond Sharp-shinned Hawk Great Egrets

The Greenbelt has paved walkways and several comfortable benches. The small Park at the west end of Isle Royale Lane has picnic tables shaded by a trellis, a lawn for games, and a drinking fountain. At the north end, near the UCD Medical Bldg., there is a second picnic area within a small garden, and a Bocce court for public use. There is a bus stop at the corner of Arlington Boulevard and Shasta Drive for the D K and P lines. You can walk, pedal, or drive to the Greenbelt. There's parking space at the end of Bryce Lane and Isle Royale Lane.

The Friends of West Pond planted the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden in 2007. You are very welcome to join our work parties! Contact <grtrapp AT comcast DOT net> to learn about upcoming events.
Anna's Hummingbirds are in the Garden every day [How it looked in 2007 How it looks today
Plaque donated by the FoWP Monarchs are a welcome sight in the Garden

Taking a break during the Spring Weeding Party

Four River Otters visit the Pond now and then Enjoy the new Bench overlooking the Pond Katherine and Gary remove invasive Wheat Grass It's more fun to work together

Comments:

Note: You must be logged in to add comments