The party’s back on at Middle Creek this week with a new season peak for snow geese.
Middle Creek manager Lauren Ferreri described the birds as falling into the lake yesterday from the south and west. She said that the numbers fluctuated wildly over the weekend, from a low of about 1,500 birds to more than 100,000 at the start of the week.
“Their calls were almost deafening upon listening to the camera this (Monday) morning,” she said in a recent update. “I think it’s safe to say they know Spring is just right around the corner.”
The live stream has proved a popular attraction, with more than 170 positive comments left so far.
As of yesterday, the following counts were shared:
- Snow Geese: 150,000
- Tundra Swans: 4,750
- Canada Geese: 1,500
Here’s what the spectacle looks like in full force, thanks to a photo by LebTown reader Michael Bachelda.
Last year, the high count for snow geese was recorded on February 21 with 200,000 snow geese. The high count for tundra swans was 5,500 (February 22) and 7,500 Canada geese (February 15). In 2017, the peak snow geese population recorded was 70,000+ on February 22.
The Game Commission says that icing is the most significant variable determining the arrival of migrating waterfowl. Snow cover and ice buildup limit access to the waste grain that the waterfowl depend on for food.
The Middle Creek interior tour road is now open as well, providing another opportunity for viewing the birds’ habitat.
Watch this video for more on Middle Creek and the Snow Goose Migration.
