March 3, 2022 by L. L. Coble

The Blizzard Has Arrived: Snow Geese at Middle Creek

It’s that time of year—Snow Geese on their northbound migration, more than 100,000 of them, have arrived for a stopover at the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Get there now to see scenes like these in person…

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Thousands of Snow Geese gather on the main impoundment at Middle Creek. Presently, over 100,000 are estimated to be visiting the refuge.

Tundra Swans at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — More than two thousand Tundra Swans are visiting Middle Creek right now too.

female American Kestrel — A passing American Kestrel doesn’t seem to ruffle any feathers among the multitudes of Snow Geese on the lake…

Bald Eagles at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — …but when the local pair of Bald Eagles gets close, such as when they’re escorting a third party away from their nesting territory, …

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — …Snow Geese lift off in a panic.

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Snow Geese rise above the shoreline treetops.

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Feeding and roosting Snow Geese take flight in the presence of a potential predator to not only make a direct escape, but also to seek a safer position toward the center of the flock, keeping away from the vulnerable areas on the periphery.

Snow Geese and Tundra Swans at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Thousands of Snow Geese rise behind the placid group of Tundra Swans in the foreground.

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Observers along Willow Point Trail with swarming Snow Geese just ahead.

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — In the midst of the thunderous cackle of thousands of Snow Geese.

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — Don’t forget your camera…

Snow Geese at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — …for an unforgettable photo op at Willow Point.

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