Lisa

In my community, I can walk to a variety of habitats--deciduous forest, some more open areas, and a pond surrounded by both pine groves and deciduous forest. Unfortunately, the homeowner's association mows the common areas, including around the large pond, as if the areas were part of a golf course--i.e., mowing goes right to the pond's edge, leaving little room for natural growth to act as cover.  In open areas, vegetation is mowed as if it were part of a suburban front lawn. More willingness to allow for natural, unmanicured growth would increase species diversity.  Regardless of that issue, each habitat in the community has its unique inhabitants. By the pine forests, I can find Ruby- and Golden-Crowned Kinglets; at the pond, I see Great Blue Herons and sometimes Green Herons, and in the winter months, we're graced with Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards, and an occasional group of Ring-Necked Ducks.  Brushy areas on the back of the dam of the main pond create habitat for White-Throated and Song Sparrows, and Lincoln Sparrows during migration, along with Carolina and Winter Wrens. Thrushes and Waterthrushes appear by the stream in spring and summer. The ubiquitous Chickadees, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Tufted Titmouses (mice?), White-Throated Sparrows and crows (American and Fish) can be seen year round in many of these locations.