Cauls Pond facts for kids
Cauls Pond is a special watery place called a wetland. It's located in Anguilla, which is a small island in the Caribbean Sea. Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, meaning it's part of the United Kingdom but governs itself. Cauls Pond is super important because it's known as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This means it's a vital spot for many different kinds of birds.
What is Cauls Pond Like?
Cauls Pond is a long, rectangular lagoon. A lagoon is a shallow body of water that is partly separated from the sea. The water in Cauls Pond is brackish, which means it's a mix of fresh water and salty sea water. You can find this pond in the Sandy Hill district, close to the south-east coast of Anguilla.
This pond is the second largest enclosed body of water on the island. It sits below sea level, almost like a big dip in the ground. The bottom of the pond is mostly made of limestone, which is a type of rock. At its western end, you'll find marl, which is a mix of clay and limestone. There's even a tiny island inside the pond made of mudflat!
Plants Around the Pond
The plants growing around the edges of Cauls Pond are very interesting. You'll see spiky cacti and special trees called buttonwood mangroves. These mangroves are tough plants that can grow in salty water. Behind them, there are other trees and shrubs that add to the green scenery.
Birds of Cauls Pond
Cauls Pond and the land right around it cover about 43 hectares (that's about 106 acres!). This whole area is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by an organization called BirdLife International. This means it's a crucial place for birds to live, feed, and raise their young.
Many different bird species call Cauls Pond home. Some of the special birds you might find here include:
- Least Terns: These small seabirds come here to breed and lay their eggs.
- Brown Pelicans: You can often spot these large birds diving for fish.
- Laughing Gulls: These gulls are known for their call, which sounds like a laugh!
- Green-throated Caribs: These are colorful hummingbirds.
- Caribbean Elaenias: Small, active birds found in the Caribbean.
- Pearly-eyed Thrashers: These birds have striking pale eyes.
- Lesser Antillean Bullfinches: A small, dark bird common in the Lesser Antilles.
This pond is a true haven for birds, helping to protect these amazing creatures for the future.
