Mar 072010
What do you think they would be saying?
In for a landing.
Heading north.
Speeding across the surface of the lake.
Every year in late February through March snow geese migrating north stop over at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lebanon County Pennsylvania. The numbers of geese visiting the lake and agriculture fields are often numbered in the tens of thousands and make a great photographic opportunity in the early spring. This year the snow geese are just starting to arrive at Middle Creek after heavy snows and winter weather kept them south longer then normal. The next few weeks should be a great time as masses of birds arrive in the area.
Outstanding set of images Dan!
Dan here is a link the Pa Wildlife puts out. Last Friday they said 45,000 + With the warm weather they are coming in quick.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=621427&mode=2
They say it is best to be there at sunrise and sunset, More sunrise. During the day many of them are in the fields.
Thanks Ed!
Thanks for the reply Don. I’ve photographed there a bunch over the years and yes the mornings are the best for the initial blast off of masses of birds. This year is a late year for the arrival and even though many birds go to nearby fields during the day the numbers are still currently low. I expect a big spike in birds in the coming days and weeks now that the snow has melted off the fields allowing them to feed and the lake is melting allowing the to safely roost at night on it. The spike is evident already as numbers have increased drastically since Friday. Evening is also an awesome time to be there watching the huge flocks circle and land on the lake.
Really great shots Dan! Looks like you were dealing with some very harsh light and you did a fantastic job with the conditions you had. To add to the time of day discussion, I have actually had some of my best luck there in the late afternoon when they come to the fields to feed. Great opportunity for flight shots as they are predictable when they are coming in to land. The field on the right just past the duck pond is awesome in the afternoon, sun behind you as they come in to the field toward you. The hardest part is usually finding a spot along the fence with the other 50 or so photographers that will probably be there.
Thanks Mike. Yeah I love it there morning or afternoon. Too bad you can’t join us tomorrow. Should be a good day. The light was rough, especially with patches of snow left reflecting the light.