Tutters Neck Pond is primarily of interest in winter, when it is one of the main locations in the City to find wintering waterfowl. The species most frequently seen are Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall, and Hooded Merganser, all of which are often seen in large numbers. However, the pond sometimes holds other species, and diligent scanning of the ducks here may yield American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, or other species. Other waterbirds such as Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot are also possible. In migration, shorebirds including Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs have been seen, but Tutters is not generally a good location for shorebirds. The surrounding woods frequently have typical woodland species such as woodpeckers and nuthatches. In winter, it is a good place to find the winter woodland suite, while in summer species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, and other interior woodland breeders are present. Locally uncommon breeders including Prothonotary Warbler and Warbling Vireo have been recorded here, but they are not regular. The habitat is also appropriate for Anhinga, which has not yet been recorded in the City, but has been found in similar locations further down the Lower Peninsula. Tutters Neck Pond has a historic record of Purple Gallinule from 1967.
Accessibility: This pond is most easily accessible from Quarterpath Road, which runs across the dam and allows for a good view of the water. Parts of the water that are not visible from Quarterpath can be seen from Battery Boulevard, but views here are difficult and largely obscured. Quarterpath Road at the dam is wide, and very infrequently traveled, so pulling off to the side for viewing is easily accomplished. However, be aware that the road is very poorly maintained and may not be advisable in all vehicles. It has a number of extremely deep potholes, and the steep gradient going down to Tutters Pond is also not advisable for many vehicles under snowy conditions.
eBird Hotspot: Tutters Neck Pond
—Matt Anthony