Crystal Springs is in southeast Portland, across the street from Reed College. Its ponds not only play host to a number of duck species right in the city but also provide a close view of usually reclusive species like wood ducks and bufflehead. The animals are wild but are very conditioned to human presence. The park is heavily visited so if you desire serenity, go at sunrise, but regardless it is a lovely oasis in the city.
There is a small fee charged from March through September if you’re not a member of the Friends of the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The cost of the yearly membership is pretty low, I've been a member since we moved to Portland.
|
|
The little American coot holds its own against the larger ducks and geese. |
|
Crystal Springs is the best place I've been for seeing these normally shy and reclusive ducks up close. |
|
|
Canadas can be seen year round, cacklers sometimes in the winter, and often escaped domestics or exotics as well. |
|
The beautiful mallard is a staple of duck ponds across the United States and Crystal Springs is no exception. |
|
|
A variety of other animals call the park home, from grebes to wigeon to nutria and even beaver. |
|
While I mostly visit to photograph the birds and mammals of the park, even I occasionally turn my camera upon the flora. |