Hey birders,

 

There was some spectacular goose migration this morning in Blue Earth and Watonwan Counties, as witnessed by John Hockema and myself.  The Maple River WMA had hundreds of Canadas and Greater White-fronted Geese with some Snow Geese mixed in.  Lily Lake near Lake Crystal had thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese, well outnumbering the Canadas.  Finally, the Madelia Goose Magnet on Township 172 east of Hwy 60 (south of Madelia) had thousands more Greater White-fronted Geese, Snow Geese, Canada Geese, and at least 3 Ross’ Geese. 

 

Other waterfowl for the day: Hooded Merganser, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Green-winged Teal.  Aeration on Lake Crystal produced most species though Loon Lake further east had some open water as well.  Some ducks were seen at Maple River WMA as well as an early meadowlark of unknown species.

 

Happy birding,

 

Chad Heins

Mankato, MN

 

Chad Heins

Assistant Professor of Biology

 

Bethany Lutheran College

700 Luther Drive

Mankato, MN 56001

Office: 507.344.7327  | Toll Free: 800.944.3066

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