As we arrived at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a large flock of snow geese passed overhead, shimmering in the bright morning sun; it was 12 degrees F. Most of the shallows had frozen over but open pools attracted a mix of wintering ducks, including mallards, gadwalls, coot, green-winged teal, ring-necks and lesser scaup; scattered flocks of Canada geese rested on the ice and a group of pied-billed grebes dove for their breakfast.
Several more flocks of snow geese crossed the refuge during our visit, moving north along the Missouri River Valley, as did a large flock of greater white-fronted geese. Five sandhill cranes had gathered on a wooded island and at least fifty American white pelicans huddled on a sandbar near the south end of the preserve. Ring billed gulls swirled above the open pools, northern harriers zoomed across the dormant crop fields, great blue herons perched in the morning sun and an immature bald eagle soared overhead, oblivious of the frigid air.
Silence ruled this winter scene, broken only by the occasional flocks of noisy geese and the distant calls of headstrong crows. How ironic that the season's first blast of Arctic air should coincide with the first wave of migrant geese. Winter may be strengthening its grip but my money is on the geese; despite this brief setback, the tide of spring has begun.
