ALMA'S TUNDRA SWANS Tundra Swan Count: Would you like to be a volunteer to count swans in the area for Wings Over Alma? Daily commitment and travel required. If you are interested, please contact the Center at 608-685-3303.
As Of Today in Buffalo County, Wisconsin:
0 Riecks Lake, State Hwy 35 (viewing deck) 0 Tell Lake, State Hwy 37 to County II 0 Buffalo River, State Hwy 37 to County F (best viewing) 400+ Mississippi River/Big Lake, State Hwy 35 North (long distance view with binoculars) 0 Fountain City, State Hwy 35
Our area is an important site for migrating birds and waterfowl and the fall migration is winding down as winter and freezing water approaches. Fall Bird Migration
WHERE ARE THE TUNDRA SWANS IN ALMA? All though small in number, tundra swans can be found at Rieck's Lake, Tell Lake, the Buffalo River and the Mississippi River. The swans began arriving in late October and will remain until the backwaters begin to freeze or there food source of tuberous roots is exhausted.
The "swan experience" is very different from the days when swans were literally falling from the sky. From the viewing area at Rieck's Lake you can see from 4-20 swans and throughout the Buffalo River there will be approximately 200 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, but it is long distance viewing and you definitely need binoculars.
Although fewer in number, many find that their viewing and photo opportunities were more personalized. A photographer who visits every season indicated they had "taken their best pictures ever" because of the smaller population in 2009.
Juvenile Tundra Swans Nov 2009 Tell Lake
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. Late-October to Mid-December Tundra swans rest on the Upper Mississippi River Navigation Pools 4-11 during the fall migration, moving through just before ice forms on the river.
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".
LEARN MORE 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.
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
Mississippi River Viewing Swans are visible rafting on the Mississippi River, this is a long distance viewing opportunity which requires binoculars. Directions: Across from Cedar Ridge Resort or from the Nelson Cemetery on Wisconsin Hwy 35, 4 to 8 miles north of Alma, Wisconsin
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.
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) 2010 Wings Over Alma All rights reserved.
