A K Reopening

Now that the duck hunters bring completed their tour of duty, the northern 2/3 of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area has reopened for birders as well as naturalists; the southern 3rd remains closed equally a refuge for wintering ducks.

On this sunny but mutual frigidness morning, it was a pleasance to access close of the preserve.  Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 dyad of grand mallards yet dominated the scene but gadwalls, northern shovelers as well as green-winged teal were observed equally well; the highlight was the presence of 44 trumpeter swans, a quarter of which were immature.  Raptors were represented yesteryear bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, a Cooper's hawk as well as a red-shouldered hawk.

Within a few to a greater extent than weeks, the boundary migration volition begin at Eagle Bluffs equally large flocks of snowfall geese, greater white-fronted geese as well as early on American white pelicans halt to residue as well as feed on the Missouri River floodplain.  The wintertime shutdown has ended as well as to a greater extent than or less of the best days at this fabulous refuge are simply a calendar month away.