Bad Cox Pond - The Little Wetland That Could
On any given day, Bad Cox Pond is what postcard moments are all about. Early morning cloud reflections give an idyllic view of nature in Anguilla.
This privately owned pond, located between Shoal Bay and Island Harbour, is a seasonal wetland that undergoes several transformations throughout the year.
During the Fall and Winter months, it is a haven for migratory shorebirds, Egrets, Herons, and ducks.
Lucky visitors will catch a view of ducklings as our resident White-cheeked Pintails nest here.
Spring brings the mating season for several species, including the elusive Mangrove Cuckoo. Attentive birders are more likely to hear their distinctive call. Patience and quiet positioning can bring big rewards. On this day, I found three birds moving among the bushes and this beauty carrying nest material.
Regular residents of Bad Cox Pond include Bananaquits, Black-faced Grassquits, and all five of the Lesser Antilles Restricted Range Species.
Dry Summer months mean the water level drops throughout the pond. This makes Bad Cox Pond an attractive nesting site for resident Killdeer and Black-necked Stilts.
Bad Cox Pond has a high concentration of dove species. Zenaida, White-winged, and Common Ground Doves are all regular visitors. The latest addition is the White-crowned Pigeon. The presence of an adult with a juvenile bird suggests they may nest nearby.
To date, I have recorded 38 species at this location. This is a reasonable number for a site with a small footprint. The variety of vegetation surrounding the pond impacts species variety. While Buttonwood is a predominant plant around the pond, Century plants and cactus are also seen.
The pond borders a small neighborhood with some of the friendliest people I have ever met in Anguilla. Don’t be surprised if they stop to ask what you see or toot their horn as they pass in their vehicles. I’ve even been given some good tips about other bird sites by the residents.
In my opinion, early morning visits are best at this site. The sun rising behind you gives a nice view down the length of the pond.
Have you ever visited Bad Cox Pond? I would love to hear about your experiences.
Truly an amazing place. Almost heaven. My home is on the ridge in the background, and I am a member of the family that owns it. Bird watchers are always appreciated. No fence, just marsh from the Badcox side if you can wade through the thick mud resulting from centuries of displaced soil from the surrounding hills. Wish you could see it during a moon-lit night. Truly mesmerizing!!!
Never been there. Looks like heaven. How do we access?? Do the owners welcome birders??