Arriving at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area just after sunrise, a friend and I found that most of the floodplain was obscured by dense fog after cool air had settled in the Missouri River Valley overnight. Fortunately, as the sun rose and the air warmed, the fog gradually diminished.
Finally able to scan the landscape, we found that water levels have increased significantly, just in time for the arrival of duck hunters later in the month. On the other hand, few water birds had yet to take advantage of the change; only eight pied-billed grebes, five great blue herons, two American coot and a lone mallard were observed. Clouds of red-winged blackbirds and a couple-dozen turkey vultures were the only sizable flocks. In total, thirteen avian species were encountered during our visit.
No doubt, the rising waters will attract significant flocks of waterfowl over the next couple of months but birdwatching access will be limited once hunting begins. Nevertheless, the sight of flowing water and expanding pools was reassuring on that desiccated floodplain.
