Howard County Bird Club
Jackson Pond Detailed Information
Although this small pond is somewhat removed from other major birding sites, it is worth checking occasionally.
Habitat: Although Jackson Pond was dredged in 2007, the edge vegetation (up to six feet of vegetative and woody plants) has returned. Like several lakes and ponds in Columbia, the invasive plant Creeping Primrose
Willow (Jussiaea repens) has appeared during the warmer months. The open space and adjoining yards contain
scattered trees and mown grass. A stream flows from north to south through the pond with some undergrowth and
deciduous trees at each end. There is a mature beech woods with little understory at the north end, and a somewhat more diverse wooded areas with tangles can be found along the path south of the dam.
Layout: A paved path circles the pond and connects to other portions of the Columbia Association’s paved path system (the most varied habitat is south to MD 175). There is a fishing pier on the east side and a tot lot on the west side. The west side also has a bridge to Myer Ashendorf Island which contains a few benches, a small boat dock, and planted ornamentals. The dam is at the south end.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, especially after storms or high winds that may cause waterfowl fallouts.
Birding: Despite its small size, Jackson Pond, at one time, was surprisingly productive. Siltation and algal growth had made it increasingly less attractive to birds (and birders), so it was little birded in the decade prior to 2007 when it was dredged. Perhaps it will return to its former attractiveness. Most of the waterfowl observed on other central county lakes have turned up here, although usually in lower numbers. Among the species that have been noted are American Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck. In addition, there are records for Tundra Swan, Common Loon, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Egret, Osprey, American Coot, and Spotted Sandpiper. Jackson Pond’s chief claim to fame is an immature White Ibis, the county’s second record. The bird was present September 6–9, 1980.
For this north/south oriented pond, the time of day may determine whether one chooses to scan from the west side (afternoon) or east side (morning) to avoid facing the sun. From the entrance on Lightspun Lane, bear left on
the path around the north end to reach the east side, or continue straight past the tot lot to survey the pond from the west side. The east and west sides of Jackson Pond are adjacent to yards, most of which have trees. Check the few feeders, which produced a Red-breasted Nuthatch one winter. There are paved path extensions at both ends of the pond. To the north the path passes through a mature beech woods and follows the stream. Although there are houses on both sides of the stream valley, it is a pleasant walk with numerous bridges. South from the dam toward MD 175, the path winds past open mowed areas and wooded sections with tangles and undergrowth providing a different and, generally, more varied mix of birds than at the north end. One is never far from the stream. Warblers, vireos, tanagers, and orioles can be anticipated in the warmer months, along with a kingfisher and an occasional Barred Owl any time.
Highlights: In addition to waterbirds attracted to the pond, look for spring wildflowers in the wooded area along the path south of the dam.
Handicapped Access: All parts of the pond are visible from the path which is easily accessible. The grades are gentle. The path north of the pond is flat for some distance as it runs along the stream. To the south there are a few short sections with steeper grades. All wooden bridges should be approached with caution in wet weather.