Mallard and Gadwall Ponds Hawkeye WA

[Richard Hollis]

A Couple of people have been asking.

They are on this map but I am not sure which is which.

Rick Hollis

[Brandon Caswell]

Here is a really rough map I made of the area. The yellow border is sort of made up from what I know. The red P is where to park and the red pathway is more or less the main arteries in terms of hiking. If you walk west from the parking lot south of Gun Club ponds you’ll eventually run into this area. The parking lot is east of the two turns you take heading west out to Round Pond.

Good birding,

Brandon Caswell 

Marion

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[Chris Caster]

Just for further clarification—This is on the south side of the Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County.  It is accessed via Hwy 380 exit #4.  This is the North Liberty exit.  Take County Rd F-28 west from there to Greencastle Ave.  The intersection NE of the Mallard Ponds in Rick’s map is Greencastle and Swan Lake Rd.  Brandon’s map shows where to park.  The farm access road going south is gated.  There is a small creek to cross before you get to the second pond, so you’ll want boots.

 

It is a bit off the beaten path, but it one of the areas best locations for Bell’s Vireos.  I have also found other interesting birds on occasion:  Sedge Wren, Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Black-billed Cuckoo, Hooded Merganser, American Bittern.  Be aware that the area is also next to an Ornate Box Turtle study plot.  You’ll recognize it by all the little flag markers.  So steer clear. 

 

Also, I have always just referred to these ponds as the Mallard Ponds.  I was unaware of the Gadwall Pond usage and can’t shine any light on which that would be.  There are actually a series of four to five ponds/wet spots.  The southwestern two I believe are on private land.

 

Chris Caster

Coralville

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