Rewilding My Lot

Since the pond was installed in the beginning of November 2024, gradually I have been seeing more bird visitors coming to drink or bathe, although generally only one or two at a time.

Then suddenly at dusk on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024), there was a thundering on the roof that sounded like heavy rain and 50-100 grackles — a mixture of Common Grackles and Great-Tailed Grackles according to a knowledgeable friend — descended to the pond area. A short video is below.

It was quite a sight. They vigorously bathed, drank, and waded in the shallow parts of the pond. I think if I had more visible fish, they would probably have been eaten. Those who weren’t at the pond were perched on the nearby fence or roof.

Viewing the scene the next morning, I saw a number of bird droppings around the pond, and the water had more bubbles than usual. Also, a seed pod that had been on one of my Aquatic Milkweed plants is missing — eaten?

When grackles are in a group, they are referred to as a “plague.” I can see how that might be, given how suddenly they appear and the potential damage they can do to crops (they are fond of grain and can be aggressive feeders).

The grackles haven’t returned as of three days later. I certainly do want the pond here to be a resource for nature, although I wasn’t expecting that kind of startling episode. I wonder how often this will occur.