As we continue to reconstruct habitats at the Utah Botanical Center, wildlife have been observed in greater numbers. Our most complete habitats, the ponds and wetlands, are home to dozens of species of waterfowl throughout the year.

The North Pond in winter is the best place to see over a dozen species of waterfowl in one small area. It is there, in the half-frozen pond, that green-winged teal, northern shovelers, and hooded mergansers can be seen mingling together. In summer, the great blue herons, black-crowned night herons forage along the shore, and Caspian and Forster’s terns are seen flying overhead looking for fish as the newly-hatched American coots swim after the adults in the water below.

Be sure to bring your binoculars for a closer look at the waterfowl on our ponds. Be sure to not get too close, because causing the birds to flush could waste valuable energy, especially in winter.