The pond is built of stone and set into the promenade between the Hudson River and the Irish Hunger Memorial.
The shiny buildings nearby, including the World Trade Center tower, are reflected in the surface of the water.
When the light is right and the Mallard ducks are swimming in the pond, the effect can be psychedelic.
In early summer, the Mallard ducks nest in dense clumps of reeds that are planted around the pond in circular, sunken containers.
The male Mallards are more colorful than the females, with their irresistible bright green heads. Both parents are involved with looking out for the ducklings.
When the ducklings first enter the water, they are smaller than the Koi fish in the pond.
The ducklings swim around the pond, following their parents, then rest on the rocks.
Sometimes the family is joined by other birds using the pond, including an iridescent Common Grackle.
There is a shallow ledge on the upper level with a light waterfall coming off it. That’s where the smaller birds come for their baths, including the Grackle.
The ducks do their splashing down below.
The Mallards are vegetarian and don’t bother the Koi.
However, a Black-crowned Night Heron sometimes comes by to enjoy the little pond and its abundance of bright, tasty fish.
Sometimes it might be hard to actually swallow a fat, wiggling fish.
After the struggle, the Black-crowned Night Heron can rest and digest in a nearby tree.
For all of us, it’s a great place to relax for a while and watch the activity in the pond.
