Jacobson Park a rest stop for migrating birds, notably waterfowl

The Jacobson Park reservoir is briefly hosting an assortment of waterfowl, including some that are just stopping in on their migratory routes back north. Coots, cormorants and some types of ducks are probably moving north to breed, said David Westneat, a University of Kentucky biology professor and ornithologist.

Other birds that can be seen right now, many of which live there year-round, include great blue herons, osprey and at least two bald eagles — a juvenile and an adult.

“The waterfowl have been good here since February,” Westneat said. That’s when he and his students do their annual duck count in Fayette County ponds. In about two to three weeks, the forest birds will be migrating through Central Kentucky as well.

“The first or second week in May is the best time to look for migratory songbirds,” Westneat said. “They wait until the leaves are out and the insects start to appear.”

Westneat said the Lexington Cemetery is a good place to spot songbirds on their way north.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Jacobson Park a rest stop for migrating birds, notably waterfowl."