Heading west this morning, I saw numerous flocks of snow geese between Columbia, Missouri, and Lawrence, Kansas; most were not heading north. In fact, the flocks were moving in all directions, clearly looking for potential feeding sites amidst the snow-covered landscape. In a few areas, I saw small groups that alighted on parcels of grassland cleared by wind or sun exposure but most flocks remained in flight, circling above the thick blanket of snow.
While Mississippi Flyway snow geese generally follow the Mississippi and Missouri Valleys, they rely on wetlands, grasslands and crop fields for nourishment on their "spring" journey to the Arctic. Facing the widespread snow cover, they will likely congregate along the major rivers, where floodplain marshes, side channels and oxbow pools offer access to aquatic vegetation; the backwaters of large reservoirs, if not frozen, might also be utilized.
West of the Flint Hills, in eastern Kansas, I encountered several flocks that were more fortunate; the fields from Junction City to Salina were dappled with snow but most of the grass and crop stubble was accessible to the vocal migrants. Of course, my concern for the welfare of these hardy travelers is a bit misplaced (if not paternalistic); regularly moving through the Heartland in November-December and, again, in February-March, they are surely capable of dealing with snowstorms.
