Our area is an important site for migrating birds and waterfowl and we are greatly anticipating the fall migration. Cormorants, Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans and lots of ducks have come to Alma in the last few weeks.
Many varieties stage in large numbers in wetlands and backwaters. Great American Pelicans arrived on Big Lake/Mississippi River this week as well as Tundra Swans.
Tundra Swans and Canvasback Ducks were among 19 species of waterfowl recorded during the 2010 fall migration in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. Tundra Swans were found on the Buffalo River, Rieck's Lake and Big Lake on the Upper Mississippi River. Diving ducks such as Redheads, Buffleheads & Ruddy Ducks gathered in open water and the American Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal and other puddle ducks were found in shallow backwaters.
The National Geographic TV channel series Great Migrationscaptures part of the migration on the Upper Mississippi River flyway in Episodes 1 and 4 and they are set to music in Episode 7. Fabulous footage of American White Pelicans, Peregrine Falcons, Tundra Swans, Mallards and the Bald Eagle. National Geographic TV
2011 FALL MIGRATION
Lower temperatures and ice on Rieck's Lake made for some great antics as the geese stuggled to walk on the ice!
Canada Geese, Riecks Lake, 11/18/2011
Canda Geese & Mallard, Riecks Lake, 11/18/2011
Tundra Swans, Big Lake, Mississippi River, 11/18/2011
November, 2011 Canada Geese Tell Lake, Buffalo River
Canada Geese, Tell Lake, 11/4/2011
Canada Geese In Flight, Tell Lake, 11/4/2011
Tundra Swans & Canada Geese, Tell Lake, 11/4/2011
October, 2011 Cormorants & Ducks Upper Mississippi River Refuge
Cormorant, Trempeleau
Mallard, Riecks Lake
Pictures will be added as we have photo documentation throughout the 2011 fall bird migration. Meanwhile, enjoy our pictures from prior years below.
2010 FALL MIGRATION
November 21, 2010 Tundra Swans Tell Lake Alma, Wisconsin
Walking The Sand Bar, Tell Lake
Tell Lake
November 21, 2010 Red-Tailed Hawk Buffalo River, Wisconsin Highway 37 Alma, Wisconsin
This is a great drive for viewing red-tailed hawks. While not migratory they are a great sight when you are looking for migratory birds and waterfowl. The hawks are hunting throughout the river bottoms and delta and can be seen in the trees on both sides of the road. If you see a hawk, be careful and pull off the road to view them safely. On this day over a dozen hawks were viewed and a few sat in the trees for pictures.
Buffalo River, WI Hwy 37
Close Up
November 5-11, 2010 Canada Geese Buffalo River Alma, Wisconsin
The geese were gathering for their migration to points east & south for the winter, having lived and raised their young on the Buffalo River and Rieck's Lake for most of the year. Because of the natural habitat and the flowing waters of the Buffalo River the canada geese flourish and do not put beaches & water quality at risk as often occurs in small lakes and ponds.
Buffalo River
Buffalo River
2009 FALL MIGRATION
November 9, 2009 Great Egret with Mallards Rieck's Lake Alma, Wisconsin
Rieck's Lake
November 9, 2009 Great Blue Heron, Rieck's Lake Tundra Swans (Juvenile), Tell Lake Alma, Wisconsin
Rieck's Lake
Tell Lake
November 4, 2009 Tundra Swans Buffalo River & Rieck's Lake Alma, Wisconsin
Rieck's Lake
Buffalo River
Buffalo River, Adult & Juvenile
October 11, 2009 Great Blue Heron Rieck's Lake Alma, Wisconsin
October 9, 2009 Great American White Pelicans with Canada Geese Rieck's Lake Alma, Wisconsin
August 18, 2009 Sand Hill Cranes Weaver Bottoms Upper Mississippi River Across From Buffalo City, Wisconsin
August 18, 2009 Great American White Pelicans Weaver Bottoms Upper Mississippi River Across From Buffalo City, Wisconsin
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.
