Major flooding severly impacted the availability of food for migrating waterfowl and many have moved on to their next feeding stop leaving the Alma area for the 2010 fall migration season. Our area is an important site for migrating birds and waterfowl and the fall migration is winding down.
Many varieties staged in large numbers in wetlands and backwaters. Great American Pelicans came through in October and the Tundra Swans were in the Alma area from late-October through late-November. Tundra Swans arrived in late October and stayed through most of November.
Tundra Swans and Canvasback Ducks were among 19 species of waterfowl recorded during 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
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
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