CANADA GEESE On The Buffalo River

Canada Geese have been gathering for the past few weeks preparing for their migration
points east & south for winter.  They've lived on the Buffalo River
all summer and raised their young.

  

  

There's lots of flight activity as the younger geese learn to take off with the group,

it's amazing how the whole family can leave the water's surface at once

and not get in each other's way. There's a lesson here!

Because of the natural habitat and the flowing waters of the Buffalo River,

the Canada Geese flourish and our beaches and water quality are not at risk

as they often are in small lakes and ponds.

Soon they'll be on their way!

GEESE On Ice

Overnight the water from Rieck's Lake turns from liquid to solid

and the Canada Geese adapt quickly. 

The antics of the younger birds who have never experienced ice are entertaining, especially if you can capture it on video.  These "stills" just don't reflect the moment ....

TUNDRA SWANS Have Finally Arrived

Tundra Swan activity in Alma, Wisconsin can be a touchy subject.  Many years ago there would be 5,000 Tundra Swans at Rieck's Lake ... today there are 30 and that's a good count.  Needless to say those who remember the "swan fall" have high expectations and they don't understand that we are happy when the first swans begin to arrive.



The first 4 swans arrived on November 4th and settled on Tell Lake on the Buffalo River, 2 adults and 2 juveniles.  And then we waited ...

November 18th arrived and swans were on Rieck's Lake. 

Now there are over 1000 swans on Big Lake (Mississippi River). 

It's a long distance view and you definitely need a scope or binoculars

but it's wonderful to watch all of the activity as the swans fly. 

The best viewing is a sunny day.

The Buffalo River is holding about 100 swans, with the population moving around during the day from Rieck's Lake & Tell Lake to a more protected spots away from the viewing population.  The best time to view is early in the day.

It's been well worth the wait and even though it's more work

to find the swans the photo and viewing opportunities have been great!

Sunning TURTLES

The last sunny days are here and the cold weather is on the way.  Turtles can be found sunning themselves in the backwaters.

There are lots of little baby turtles but they dive into the water at the slightest movement.