This large, wooded lake is located on the northern edge of Franklin in a housing development called Village at Wood’s Edge. The lake is ringed by Beechwood Drive, which becomes Oakwood Drive at its southern end where it crosses the dam. Viewing from the dam is the best way to bird the lake, as this vantage point gives you a clear view of almost all of the water. The only other vantage points are gaps between houses, which are less-than-ideal both for the poor views and potential to disturb residents. Though the lake is the main feature at this hotspot, it has thus far proved very poor for waterbirds, with Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, and Double-crested Cormorant the only species reported in eBird as of February 2020. Nonetheless, it is worth at least a quick check in winter. Even if waterbirds are absent, the lake has a nice mix of deciduous and pine trees that make it an excellent place to encounter woodland species. In winter, this is an easy spot to find most of the winter woodland suite, including Hermit Thrush, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Some of the homes have feeders, which attract a nice mix of suburban species that may sometimes hold a less common visitor such as a Pine Siskin. The pines are suitable for Brown-headed Nuthatches, which can be found year-round. During the breeding season, listen for the songs of Yellow-throated Warblers and Ovenbirds.
eBird Hotspot: Beechwood Drive Lake
—Matt Anthony