Howard County Bird Club
Wilde Lake Detailed Information
This 22-acre lake was built by the Columbia Association in 1967. It varies in depth from 13 feet behind the dam to a few feet at the west end where a small island often appears between dredgings.
Habitat: Suburban with mown grass, shrubs, and trees. A few brushy tangles. Trees in a parklike setting east of the dam and a wooded area along a stream at the northwest end of the lake.
Layout: The lake is oriented roughly east to northwest with the dam at the east end. The north side of the lake is the more public side (fishing is allowed on this side only). Unfortunately, the view across the water from this side requires facing morning sun. The north side contains several buildings (including a renovated dairy barn), a boat dock, and two parking areas—a small paved one and a larger gravel lot. The trail around most of the lake connects to other parts of the Columbia Association path system to extend any visit. The path at the northwest corner heading uphill winds past deciduous trees, shrubby growth, and a stream. The wooded area near the bridge and the island following a stream has a few narrow trails.
Best Time to Visit: Even in winter there may be an opening or two in the ice so geese and a variety of ducks are likely much of the year. Because Wilde Lake has had its share of rarities (especially during dredgings), it is not safe to ignore this lake at any season. Almost every year turns up something unusual. Early morning and late afternoon/evening are usually the best times, but water birds can be present at any time of the day. In the summer, night-herons often visit at dusk despite heavy pedestrian traffic on the paths.
Birding: Wilde Lake is birded by many people who live within walking distance as well as by drive-in birders. Like any body of water there may be rapid turnover of birds during migration periods or after storms; at other times, the same species may be present for weeks at a time.
Most viewing is done from the north side of the lake. Although it is possible to walk completely around the lake, one is not always in view of the water on the south side. A scope is helpful, especially if one is attempting to scan from either end without walking the perimeter or even all of one side. A consistent center of activity used to be a platform toward the west end. Originally positioned for the use of “Trumpling” Swans that were placed on Wilde Lake, the swans have been removed. There is now a vegetated tiny island used by occasionally by Canada Geese, Ring-billed Gulls, and Double-crested Cormorants, rarely a more unusual species.
During warmer months cormorants use the island in the company of basking turtles. Wintering waterfowl often hang around this end of the lake. Sometimes the collection of Mallards, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, and a few Ruddy Ducks will move to the center of the lake. Hooded Mergansers are usually present during migration and sometimes in winter.
The island at the northwest end changes in size and vegetation depending on the number of years since the last dredging. Generally, when it is still a sandbar, a few migrating shorebirds stop, although the variety is limited. The choicest shorebird species on this lake’s list (Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Sanderling, and Short-billed Dowitcher) appeared in 1994 when the lake was being dredged. Late March and April frequently bring Bonaparte’s Gulls, sometimes in large flocks. Increasingly, Bald Eagles are being reported year-round and Ospreys are occasional in warmer months. The trees in the open space and the wooded area near the stream provide habitat for numerous migrant passerines. Barred Owls nest in the vicinity and both orioles are breeders. This lake, like Lake Elkhorn, is one of the best places in the county for night-herons. Particularly in July and August dusk often brings in one or more. Black-crowneds are the more frequently seen. Because they tend to perch in trees on the north shore or to hug the shoreline on that side, it may be necessary to go to the far west end and look back along the edge in order to spot one. Sometimes a juvenile will obligingly use the island. They seem able to ignore walkers so long as people remain on the paths. Waterfowl migration brings birders making frequent checks for this lake has produced Greater White-fronted Goose, Black Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and Red-necked Grebe.
The island at the northwest end changes in size and vegetation depending on the number of years since the last dredging. Generally, when it is still a sandbar, a few migrating shorebirds stop, although the variety is limited. The choicest shorebird species on this lake’s list (Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Sanderling, and Short-billed Dowitcher) appeared in 1994 when the lake was being dredged. Late March and April frequently bring Bonaparte’s Gulls, sometimes in large flocks. Increasingly, Bald Eagles are being reported year-round and Ospreys are occasional to regular in warmer months. The trees in the open space and the wooded area near the stream provide habitat for numerous migrant passerines. Barred Owls nest in the vicinity and both orioles are breeders. This lake, like Lake Elkhorn, is one of the best places in the county for night-herons. Particularly in July and August dusk often brings in one or more. Black-crowneds are the more frequently seen. Because they tend to perch in trees on the north shore or to hug the shoreline on that side, it may be necessary to go to the far west end and look back along the edge in order to spot one. They seem able to ignore walkers so long as people remain on the paths.
Highlights: The lake with its potential for the unusual.
Handicapped Access: The level path on the north side is in view of the water along its entire length. Park in the paved lot near the dam for close access to the paved path. The gravel lot requires walking across grass and down a slope in order to reach the path. The dam end contains steep slopes.