Seymour’s Pond
Barnes Corner, Middle Road, Southampton
Acreage: 2.84 acres
Acquired:
Part purchased 1963, part gift from the Masters Estate, 1988
Special Features:
Public access, nature trail, interpretive signs and bird hide
This beautiful pond, surrounded by woodland, is an excellent place for birdwatching.
Backed by a densely wooded hillside and flanked by protected farmland, the pond is connected by underground caves to Little Sound and is slightly brackish. It supports a healthy population of the endemic Bermuda Killifish and provides a rich feeding ground for many species. Ducks, herons and egrets are commonly seen here. Common Gallinule, American Coot and Pied-billed Grebe have all been known to breed here. It was also an amphibian study site.
In the early 20th century the eastern third of the original pond was filled with garbage. Encroachment by Sheathed Paspalum grass and Brazil Pepper further reduced the area of open water. In 2011 the Bermuda Audubon Society re-excavated the pond verges and the garbage-filled eastern end, leaving a small island for waterfowl to nest on safely. Native woodland restoration is ongoing within the reserve.
Seymour’s Pond was the Audubon Society’s first nature reserve acquisition. It was purchased with funds raised through public donations.
