Draper Pond from Bing Birds Eye View

• eBird Checklist
• Flickr Photos

Description:
Also known as Brown's Pond this location is mostly surrounded by private property.  Homes on most sides with the National Guard having property on the rest.  There are several points you can view into the pond form and even one drive that seemed to welcome visitors if they park on the street.  The large pond is the biggest body of water in Draper making it somewhat of an important stop over site for migrant waterbirds.  Some riparian habitat can be found along the edge, but it is mostly like a city park.

Birding:
This is one of those under-birded urban locations that might hold some gems.  I have always had a hard time trying to Bird here because the south end although open to view is on a private road leading into the National Guard property--with signs saying no trespassing.  I haven't attempted to talk to the folks on the northeast corner, but it looks like they might welcome visitors--but ask if you do try to enter the pond grounds from here.  What I have found best is to park on the south side of the LDS ward parking lot to the east just past the south end of the entry gate to the National Guard.  Form here you can scope the water and see what is roosting on a large spit of land on the west side of the pond.  If you go explore please comment below if you find other vantage points.  Waterfowl are the main draw with HOODED MERGANSER begin found here in the past.  AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, terns, grebes, and other diving birds use the pond during migration.  During Fall through spring large numbers of CANADA GEESE Are often seen coming and going to this location, so they are worth checking for something mixed in.  Otherwise this location needs some love in terms of whats found here.

Directions:
From 12300 South in Draper turn south onto 300 East for .8 miles till you reach the church on your left--this is the location I mentioned to scan the pond from.  The pond is actually northwest of here on the west side of 300 east between 12800 south and 13000 south. Alternatively you can take 300 east north from 13800 south until you reach the church at 13000 south.