After this week's heavy rain and with a forecast of significant snowfall, I headed down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on the Missouri River floodplain. Alas, the snow did not materialize, passing to our south, but the refuge did not disappoint.
A large flock of snow geese had settled on a flooded field, joined by shifting flocks of Canada geese, ducks and ring-billed gulls. Ducks were abundant throughout the preserve; at least 75% were mallards but squadrons of green-winged teal, groups of gadwall and stately pintails were also found. Raptors were out in force, including red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, kestrels, a lone sharp-shinned hawk and a pair of bald eagles. Surprises included a quintet of American white pelicans (a bit early for our region) and a trio of dunlins, probing a mudflat.
Other birds included horned larks along the roadways and the usual mix of winter songbirds in the woodlands. Mammals were out of sight on this cold, blustery afternoon, resting up for their nocturnal wanderings. Though the weather warned that winter has yet to retreat, the snow geese and their cohorts brought a promise of spring to this Heartland refuge.
