During the 1950's, a portion of the Killbuck Creek flood plain stretching for one and a quarter miles was mined for sand and gravel. The resulting excavation filled with water, resulting in two lakes connected by a short channel. The lakes are fed by ground water and a small stream (Shady Run) and empty into Killbuck Creek via a spillway at the south end. Now part of Anderson's Shadyside Park, the lakes are surrounded by a paved foot path 2.65 miles in length. Totaling 63 acres, the lakes are home to a year-around population of Mallards, Canada Geese, domestic ducks and geese, as well as a transient population of geese and ducks of many kinds. The picture above shows part of the south lake.
During the winter, when ice forms on the lakes, all species of water fowl flock together and work actively to keep a small area of one lake open and free of ice. They are successful in all but the coldest of winters. Such an open area may be seen near the far shore of the north lake (above). A closer view is shown below. This open area provides them with a safe place to sleep and some food sources. On those rare occasions when they fail to keep an opening, those who can, migrate away to return as soon as the ice opens. On winter days, the Canada Goose population leaves early in the morning to feed in farm fields surrounding the city. They return in late afternoon with much circling, wheeling, and honking.
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