Snow Geese Migration

Provided by: Dave Kerr
Summary author: Dave Kerr

As shown above, the pale blush of dawn envelopes the eastern horizon at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in eastern Pennsylvania on March 5, 2006. The sky appears orange at the horizon at sunrise and sunset because light travels a longer distance through Earth's atmosphere, effectively scattering the shorter wavelength of blue light we usually see in the sky.

During spring migration, Middle Creek, Pennsylvania has hosted over 150,000 waterfowl, primarily Snow Geese, Tundra Swans and Canada Geese. Here they rest and feed during their northern trek to their nesting grounds. In this photo, a large flock of Snow Geese is leaving to feed in nearby fields, although some flocks travel 20 miles or more to find sufficient food supplies. In winter, these highly gregarious birds will feed on grasses, sedges, and corn from harvested fields, as they build their fat reserves for the migration to the Arctic tundra, where they breed.

Related Links:

• Middle Creek Wildlife Area
• Dave's Gallery
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Migratory Birds
• Snow Goose
• All About Birds

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