If you have not been to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, it is certainly worth the trip any time of year, but especially now! Sometime in mid to late February the lake just may filled with beautiful snow geese and tundra swans.
The birds use the WMA as a resting place on their returning migration back north, some traveling as far as Canada for nesting. This year has been a particularly good year for bird watching due to the mild winter—the grounds are mostly unfrozen for feeding, and so is the 400-acre lake. Potentially over 200,000 birds can stop at Middle Creek during their spring migration.
It is best to go see the birds in the evening around sunset when they are making their way from the fields to the lake for the night (or vice versa at sunrise, if you are an early riser… they do say the early bird catches the worm). If you are lucky you will catch the birds lifting off the lake in a similar fashion to a murmuration of starlings. It is mesmerizing to watch them skillfully swirl around the air and then land gracefully back on the water.
If you are interested it visiting be sure to check the wildlife management area's website or call for information on their hours and which areas of the wildlife management area are open to the public. Also, be sure to ask the bird count, since they are wild animals they do not make reservations to stay for a certain length of time. They may be there one day and gone the next! If you do have the opportunity to go it truly is a memorable experience which makes you stop think about how as humans we live in the environments and ecosystems of all nature’s creatures.
Insider’s tips:
– Wear comfortable walking shoes, there is a bit of a hike out to the point (less than one mile). – Bring binoculars if you have them, since they are wild birds you can only get so close. – Dress warmly, it can get quite windy near the lake. – Don’t set your expectations too high, they are wild animals so if they don’t feel like flying they won’t. – Be respectful of the wildlife management area and natural environments, walk and explore in only designated areas.
