Its bark is used medicinally and its fruit is dried and used as a spice. In spring, this wet area becomes a vernal pond, a breeding spot for tree frogs, salamanders, and spring peepers. As you approach Willow Pond, look for northern orioles, which like to build their pendulous grassy nests near water. Especially for young anglers, the pond is stocked with trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and largemouth bass. The cold, spring-fed water also permits brook, brown, and rainbow trout to survive here.
Water plants growing along the shore include water starwort and water milfoil.
Green frogs often leap into the water upon your approach. When you return to the parking lot, check the purple martin houses on the side of park headquarters. These large, dark swallows nest colonially, but often the houses that are put up for them are taken over by house sparrows. Move on to Connetquot River State Park Preserve Return to Top Walks and Rambles on Long Island is available from the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore. Click here to visit Countryman Press Article copyright Countryman Press .