MCAS Funds Public Access Trail at Caspar Pond

The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society is thrilled to announce the creation of a public access trail at Caspar Pond, a favorite local birding spot. The MCAS Board voted in December to approve a $55,000 grant to fund the costs of the project and to create an endowment that will pay for ongoing maintenance of the trail in perpetuity.

The owner of the property is generously donating an easement for public use of the area around the pond, and the easement will ensure that birders and others will have access to the trail no matter who owns the property in the future. Partner organization (and trail experts) Mendocino Land Trust will oversee the creation of the public access easement around the pond, and will manage maintenance, cleanup, and signage for the trail. Work will commence early in 2026, with the goal of officially opening the trail to the public by early summer.

The pond is a home to a variety of ducks year round, and in winter Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, and Ruddy Ducks are regularly seen there. Hooded Mergansers are also frequent overwinterers, sporting their impressive breeding plumage. Ducks that are hard to find elsewhere on the coast are also occasionally seen here, such as Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Wood Duck, and Green-winged Teal. Rarities have also been spotted, such as Eurasian Wigeon and Redhead.

Though known by many Casparites as “the duck pond,” and for good reason, it is also a great spot for Wilson’s Snipes, Red-necked Phalaropes, summer swallows, and occasional vagrants like the Eastern Kingbird that was spotted by many there this past September. With better access, hopefully more birders will visit and find additional rare and unusual visitors here in the future!