Following a prolonged hunting season and a recent bout of frigid weather, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, on the Missouri River floodplain, is more vibrant than I have seen it since mid autumn.
On this sunny but chilly morning, waterfowl numbers had increased significantly, dominated by Canada geese, mallards, gadwall and northern shovelers; smaller flocks of green-winged teal and northern pintails were also observed. American white pelicans, though absent this morning, have been stopping by on a regular basis and large flocks of snow and greater white-fronted geese have been seen at the refuge over the past few weeks. Great blue herons are slowly returning and the resident bald eagles should begin nesting any day now.
This initial awakening will intensify over the coming weeks and months as winter loses its grip on the Heartland and as migrant waterfowl, pelicans, gulls, terns, cormorants, waders and shorebirds heed their instinctual drive to travel north. Peak activity generally occurs from mid March through April but migrants will pass through the Missouri Valley as late as mid May.
