Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Middle Creek Waterfowl

Middle Creek Dawn


Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is perhaps best known for the large flocks of migratory tundra swans and snow geese that pass through in late winter or early spring on their way to nesting grounds in the arctic tundra. I missed the best time this year, but a few of the birds were still there when we visited Middle Creek on Sunday April 5th.

A modest number of tundra swans were resting on the lake at dawn, but provided little in the way of interesting photo opportunities, so I settled for some shots of them flying over the nearby fields.

Tundra Swans

There were even less snow geese remaining, but we found a few scattered birds feeding along the edge of a small pond, or pothole.


Snow Goose

The management area has a substantial population of resident Canadian Geese in addition to the migratory birds that pass through.

Canadian Goose Taking Off

While this area is managed primarily for hunting and game species, it is a a favorite spot for area bird watchers and photographers. The Pennsylvania Game Commission Food and Cover Corps plants crops and maintains the fields, which provides a great deal of valuable wildlife habitat, for both game and non-game species alike.

10 comments:

Leedra said...

The Snow Goose appears to be talking to you out of the side of his mouth.

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This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Willard: Thanks so much for sharing these neat photos of nature.

Louise said...

Wonderful pictures. I love the close-ups, but the swans in flight are incredible!

Philip said...

Willard stunning shots Lad! as always, the last one with the take off outstanding :))

Ken Conger Photography said...

Great series Willard. The close up is my fav. Blue Skies.

DeeMom said...

Snow Goose a new one for me
great sgots the Canada Goose taking off is totally awesome

but then all of your pictures are

I am off again for a short adventure to DC

Be back Monday

Stacey Olson said...

Willard, what a beautiful sunrise.!!I love all the birds in the spring, the warm air, the noise.. just love it all. Going to try to get out in the a.m. and find a sharptail grouse lek Mike saw on his way Turkey hunting yesterday...(excited)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sunrise and awesome goose photo coming out of the water! Went to the river earlier in the morning, but still no herons. I did get a few photos that I really like. I'll post them in the future.

Tom said...

I am pleased the managed lands are doing very well here also Willard...

lv2scpbk said...

The pond photo reminds me of the movie "On Golden Pond". Remember that one with Jane Fonda?