Thursday, March 25, 2010

SkyWatch: Middle Creek Snows



Our recent visit to Middle Creek Wildlife Management area was primarily to target the spring migration of Snow Geese. Snow Geese first began visiting Middle Creek some fifteen years ago. It was estimated that over 100,000 snow geese were present at Middle Creek a few days prior to our trip but most had moved on by our arrival.



Never the less, a flock of migrating snows began to build on the lake as the morning progressed. Willard & I walked the trail to Willow Point and watched flocks of 30-60 geese arriving every few minutes.



The geese were coming in very high and circling the lake as they lost altitude

As the geese neared the water more detailed images of the birds were possible

Finally below the horizon, this goose is about to land among the geese already resting on the lake.




Middle Creek is a waterfowl paradise located in southeastern Pennsylvania with a 400 acre shallow lake and 70 acres of small shallow water impoundments (potholes). Visitors are tightly controlled with very few locations permitting close-up photographing or viewing. On the flip side the tight control of visitors affords the waterfowl a high degree of protection from human disturbance.

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18 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I love how the light is shining through the wings,making them look almost translucent.
Blessings,Ruth

James said...

They are great looking geese. I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania and I haven't seen any like that. However Canadian geese are a dime a dozen.

The Write Girl said...

These are beautiful geese...I never even heard of snow geese before. I love your photos. Thanks for sharing these beautiful creatures with us.

Montanagirl said...

Wonderful "captures" as always. I love the last photo - just an outstanding shot.

Tom said...

Excellent pictures Salty... perfect for Sky Watch as well... I have enjoyed all you bird and wild fowl shots. Your pictures are crystal clear and so crisp.

Have a great weekend

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Love all those in flight shoots, especially the last one.

Unknown said...

awesome shots! my favorite is the last photo--so graceful.

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
Wow i'll give anything to see them!!! The last shot is splendid but i also love the groups-flying pictures. A nice encounter you got and a nice set of pictues!

Kcalpesh said...

Stunning shots. I have a dream to take shots like that when I get my first DSLR camera :-)

Pixellicious Photos

Peggy said...

It is such a wonder to watch! Nature is amazing! Great photos, especially the up close shot!

bobbie said...

Truly beautiful shots.

Halcyon said...

Beautiful photos! I love the one with the birds in formation.

Happy Friday!

Elaine said...

That last shot is a stunner! We get snow geese migrating through Fairbanks, and in early November we got to see a huge congregation of them in Mt. Vernon, Washington, where a lot of them overwinter. I got some nice shots, but none as good as that last one of yours.

FAB said...

Now that is a sight I would love to see someday as Snows are a rarity over here. Formation flying down to a fine art. FAB.

Lisa said...

Absolutely incredible shots!
You do great work.
Thank you for sharing.

photowannabe said...

Beautiful. Its like watching the Snow Geese in a landing pattern dance. Terrific capture Salty.

Hage og Foto entusiast said...

I`m impressed over your photos. They are gorgeous. So professional, and som beautiful. Your header is amazing.

Misty DawnS said...

How spectacular. I saw the Snow Geese here during my first March of living here. I've never seen them here since.