WATERFOWL UNDER THE STARS

      One of the first signs of spring in southeastern Pennsylvania every year is the arrival of thousands of waterfowl, including Canada geese, tundra swans, snow geese and a variety of duck species at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area sometime in February.  During the second week in February in 2025, hordes of snow geese settled to rest among little flocks of Canada geese and tundra swans already on Middle Creek's 800-acre impoundment.  All species of waterfowl are easy to see on that lake during the day, including by people on-site, or viewing computer screens because of a live camera at Middle Creek.

     But those large water birds are not easy to see in the middle of Middle Creek's impoundment at night.  However, the live camera is mounted close to the lake, thereby making the waterfowl visible on computer screens.  

     On the evening of February 18, 2025, I saw groups of Canada geese and tundra swans, and a vast horde of snow geese stretched wall to wall across the lake.  Some of the birds were highlighted on the lake by a spotlight, and all of them were under a host of glowing stars and planets.  The waterfowl floating on the dark, sky-reflecting water and the heavenly bodies were a lovely sight that evening.  The swans and snow geese, having white feathering, were especially highlighted.  I could see all that on our computer screen, and was favorably impressed, and inspired by that beautiful, charming sight on a starry night.   

     Flocks of geese and swans are never quiet, but bugle loudly, day and night, without ever ceasing.  All species can be identified by their calling alone.  And they all make lovely music that is exciting to hear in early spring.  I can hear them on our computer, a wonderful, mingling, unending symphony of sound, thanks to the live camera.  Many people never tire of hearing that early-spring symphony.

     I noticed that a few geese and swans are in flight over the lake at night.  Pairs and little groups of swans and snow geese, again, are clearly visible against the dark sky.

     Geese, swans and ducks rest in chill wind on the open lake all night, but probably don't feel any discomfort.  Those waterfowl have dense coverings of water-proof feathering that keeps them quite snug through winter.

     Geese and swans are beautiful, and exciting to see and hear, day and night, under various conditions, including starry skies.  They are well worth the effort to see them in the wild, or on computer screens.                     

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