Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, and Migrating Canada Geese – LIFE IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATERSHED

Spring migration is underway and waterfowl are on the move along the lower Susquehanna River. Here is a sample of sightings collected during a walk across the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge at Columbia-Wrightsville this morning.

At the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, the Susquehanna was cresting this morning after recent rains and accompanying snow melt.

An overnight breeze from the southwest and calm winds during the morning hours created ideal conditions for flocks of Canada Geese to begin migrating north from Chesapeake Bay through the lower Susquehanna valley.

These three Common Mergansers and a Common Goldeneye (right) are some of the hundreds of diving ducks presently gathered on the river in the vicinity of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.

Common Goldeneyes and a first-winter male Bufflehead (upper right). All of the ducks seen today in the waters surrounding the bridge are benthic feeders, diving to the river bottom to pluck invertebrates from the substrate.

A male Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).

Common Goldeneyes repositioning for another series of feeding dives.

During the morning flight, thousands of Canada Geese were seen moving north in flocks numbering about 50 to 100 birds each. The bird in the lower right was one of thousands of Ring-billed Gulls seen headed upriver as well.

As they pass over the lower Susquehanna region, migrating Canada Geese are typically observed flying much higher than flocks from the local resident populations, often reaching the cruising altitudes of aircraft. Aviators are always alert for flights of resident geese around airfields. But to prevent bird strikes during days like today when thousands of migratory geese traverse the airspace, air traffic controllers can become extra busy relaying the location and altitude of potential targets to pilots flying aircraft entering areas where birds have been reported.

This is, of course, just the beginning of the great spring migration. Do make a point of getting out to observe the spectacle. And remember, keep looking up—you wouldn’t want to miss anything.

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