Spring or Seep? Looking for some recommendations on identifying source and then utilizing

Hi there, purchased a new property recently and some of the land directly south east and slightly inclined from the pond stays damp and soft. Its not outright wet with water or straight up muddy but definitely damp and squishy. See picture and red outline for about the area. The area is a natural spot for water to flow down from rest the property into the pond but we haven't had much rainfall for the past 3 weeks and there really hasn't been much hardening or drying out of the land. It also receives nearly full sunlight. Been in contact with a previous owner who tried to expand the pond and said he ran into a spring in that area and decided it was to much work, which is why the spot stays wet. He may or may not be correct on that and he really hasn't offered more than that, no specifics on where the spring was except in that general area. I know it may be tough for yall to say just from pictures but does it seem like a spring or a seep? I dug about 2.5 feet on the blue X and never had any water pooling. If possible, I'd like to find a way to collect the water that is keeping the land damp and use it elsewhere on the property for my goats and chickens, not sure but  maybe even that ground will firm and dry up so my kids can play around on it without getting super muddy and tearing it all up lol. Greatly appreciate any direction, tips, or links to help further me on this project!

Looks like pond overflow to me.

Anne Miller wrote:Looks like pond overflow to me.

Maybe but don't think it is. There is a drain pipe at the other end of the pond that drains overflow into the easement and right by that is a drainage pipe that goes under the road across the street into a lower wooded area.