Greater White-fronted Geese, Upper Mississippi Valley, Green Island Wetlands
Spring is probably the most exciting season for any wildlife photographer here in the Upper Mississippi Valley. It is one of the main flyways for the birds that move up north after the winter to their breeding grounds in the arctic region of northern Canada. Thousands of ducks and geese fill the air with their chatter and communication while they rest in the wetlands or fields and we can hear the birds when they fly over the house.
I love to watch the big flocks taking off from the lakes and marsh land in the Green Island Wetlands just before sunset. It’s hard to predict where the best spot is to stand with the camera and wait for the moment. The birds have their own mind and don’t care where the photographers are positioned. Luck was on my side yesterday evening and the first flock flew right overhead towards the low sitting sun. Just what I was hoping for. The second photo reveals that a few ducks, Northern Pintails, are among the geese and Saturday morning we saw some Snow Geese as well.
There was still over one hundred Trumpeter Swans feeding in the lakes of Green Island last weekend. I’m sure most of them will move on further north soon. It’s warm here right now but snow and ice might be still present in parts of Minnesota and Canada.
Many pairs of Canada Geese have established their territories already and nest building will follow soon. Others will still migrate to Canada or the northern US.
After a busy weekend it’s a nice feeling to end it with a sunset like this over the bluffs of the Mississippi Valley. Time to drive home…