Swan Counts, December 5th Most of the tundra swans have moved on in their migration to the Chesapeake Bay. A few are along the Buffalo River and can be seen at Tell Lake.
Tundra Swans, Riecks Lake, Nov 2011
WHERE ARE THE TUNDRA SWANS IN ALMA? All though small in number for close viewing, tundra swans can be found at Rieck's Lake, Tell Lake, and the Buffalo River. Long distance viewing offers swans in excess if a thousand at Big Lake on the Mississippi River.The swans began arriving in early November and should remain until the beginning of December when the backwaters freeze and their food source of tuberous roots are exhausted.
Tundra Swans have arrived and most have stopped at Big Lake on the Mississippi River just south of Nelson and north of Alma. They are best seen driving North of Alma, across from Cedar Ridge Resort. The resort folks have given permission for you to drive down to the river's edge to view the swans but do not drive past the area they have roped off. Do not climb on the docks, they are closed for the season. You will need binoculars or a scope for this long-distance view. Swans have also arrived at Rieck's Lake, Buffalo River and Tell Lake
The "swan experience" is very different from the days when swans were literally falling from the sky during the annual "swan fall". From the viewing area at Rieck's Lake you can usually see from 4-20 swans and throughout the Buffalo River there will be approximately 100 swans but it takes patience and a diligent eye to spot them. On the Mississippi River there are areas where you can see from 200-1000+ swans, it is a long distance view and you definitely need binoculars.
Although fewer in number, many find that their viewing and photo opportunities are more personalized. A photographer who visits every season indicated he had "taken their best pictures ever" because of the smaller population.
First Tundra Swans Of The Season
Tell Lake, 11/4/2011 2 Adults, 2 Juveniles
Tundra Swans & Canada Geese, Tell Lake, 11/4/2011
Tundra Swans, Riecks Lake, 11/18/2011
Tundra Swans, Tell Lake, 11/18/2011
Tundra Swans, Big Lake, Mississippi River, 11/18/2011
LEARN MORE As part of the Mississippi Flyway, the Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a perfect staging area for tundra swans. The backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River provide resting sites that are mostly undisturbed and an abundant food supply. The Eastern Population of tundra swans migrates through the Upper Mississippi River Valley. They breed along the arctic coast of Canada from Hudson Bay west to northwestern Alaska and they migrate to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. According to the USGS, "scientists estimate that about 25% of the Eastern Population of tundra swans, including about half of all young produced, use the Upper Mississippi River during fall migration".
See these resources to learn more about tundra swans. If you live in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, don't forget to visit your local nature center.
GOOD VIEWING SPOTS While the migrating population of tundra swans stopping over in Alma, Wisconsin has dwindled in recent years, swans are still visible in both the summer and fall migrations. This smaller number of swans offers the photography excellent photo ops. The viewing platform at Rieck's Lake Park is an excellent point to start your search for tundra swans.
Although more informal, driving Wisconsin Hwy 37 from Alma, Wisconsin along the Buffalo River is another opportunity to view swans. Upper Mississippi River backwaters (especially Weaver Bottoms) usually provide good viewing opportunities from Minnesota Highway 61.
Rieck's Lake Park Watchable Wildlife Observation Platform Swans are visible from the observation platform on open water and among the reeds and water grasses. Directions: 2 miles north of Alma, Wisconsin on Wisconsin Hwy 35.
Buffalo River & Tell Lake Viewing Swans are visible in the open pools and drifting among the reeds and water grasses. Directions: Just north of Alma, Wisconsin turn right at Wisconsin Hwy 37. Tell Lake is at intersection with County Road II.
Mississippi River Viewing/Big Lake Swans are visible rafting on Big Lake/Mississippi River, this is a long distance viewing opportunity which requires binoculars. Directions: Across from Cedar Ridge Resort on Wisconsin State Hwy 35, 4 miles north of Alma, Wisconsin. The owners of the resort have given permission for you to drive down to their dock area on the Mississippi but do not pull past the barricade. You can walk right to the river's edge but stay off all docks, they are closed for the season.
Mississippi River Viewing/Spring Lake Swans are visible rafting on Spring Lake/Mississippi River, this is a medium distance viewing opportunity. Directions: From Wisconsin State Highway 35, turn right on County Road OO (6 miles south of Alma, before Cochrane). Follow this road to Buffalo City and the Mississippi River. The road travels the banks of the Mississippi River, Spring Lake is on the south end.
Mississippi River Viewing/Lock & Dam 5A/Fountain City Swans are visible throughout the backwaters above Lock & Dam 5A, south of Fountain City on the Mississippi River, this is a long distance viewing opportunity. Directions: From Wisconsin State Highway 35, turn right on County Road OO (20 miles south of Alma).This can be a difficult viewing spot, there is little room at the side of the state highway and you need to be very careful. Weaver Bottoms Confluence of the Zumbro and Mississippi Rivers in southeastern Minnesota. Swans can often be viewed from Minnesota Hwy 61 along the Mississippi River. Directions: South of Weaver, Minnesota on Minnesota Hwy 61. ----For a good view of the Weaver Bottoms area, drive southeast on Hwy 61, 1-3/4 miles past the Hwy 74 junction. Take the spur road a short distance to the top of the hill. ----For a view from Highway 61 North, swans accumulate in a pool/backwater across from St Mary's Cemetery, south of Weaver
The corner art featured on this page is by John James Audubon entitled "Common American Swan". Audubon painted this tundra swan in London in 1838.
WOA Nature & Art Center 118 N Main Street, Alma, Wisconsin (608) 685-3303 center@wingsoveralma.orgHours: 10am-5pm Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Wings Over Alma All rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are courtesty of Katherine Goodman and all rights are reserved.
