A week of intermittent rain, cool air and cloudy skies has produced soggy conditions across the Missouri River floodplain. Indeed, on my visit to Eagle Bluffs this morning, I was greeted by a steady, light rain, muddy fields with extensive shallows, roadside sloughs and rim-high pools, an attractive landscape for migrant waterfowl.
Among the latter were large flocks of northern shovelers, American coot and lesser scaup, joined by smaller groups of Canada geese, mallards, gadwall, blue-winged and green-winged teal, wood ducks, buffleheads and ruddy ducks. About 300 American white pelicans lounged along the large lake or glided above the floodplain, en route to smaller pools. Other sightings included bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, killdeer, great blue herons, tree swallows and a host of songbirds.
Despite the weather and sloppy conditions, it was a pleasant escape from our corona virus seclusion. In fact, I was the only human visitor on this rainy morning and relished the company of the wild residents and migrants. Immersing oneself in nature is always a healing experience, even when gray skies and muddy fields dominate the scene.
Among the latter were large flocks of northern shovelers, American coot and lesser scaup, joined by smaller groups of Canada geese, mallards, gadwall, blue-winged and green-winged teal, wood ducks, buffleheads and ruddy ducks. About 300 American white pelicans lounged along the large lake or glided above the floodplain, en route to smaller pools. Other sightings included bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, killdeer, great blue herons, tree swallows and a host of songbirds.
Despite the weather and sloppy conditions, it was a pleasant escape from our corona virus seclusion. In fact, I was the only human visitor on this rainy morning and relished the company of the wild residents and migrants. Immersing oneself in nature is always a healing experience, even when gray skies and muddy fields dominate the scene.
