Kip’s Comments - January 3, 2025

Sweet Marsh Outbreak Update

Late this morning I checked on the outbreak at Sweet Marsh. Following are a few thoughts…

Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans at Sweet Marsh - Image 936766

Concerning Observations:

With the cold snap we are in, there is considerably less open water around Sweet Marsh for waterfowl. As a result, once again the Canada geese, mallards, a gadwall, and trumpeter swans are being forced to congregate in an ever-shrinking area of open water. With close contact comes the opportunity for the rapid spread of disease.

On the Wapsipinicon River I found a group of three geese that would not fly, but were still able to swim slowly away from me as I walked the opposite shoreline. I observed the geese “taking several drinks” where they let the water run off their bills. Their behavior was abnormal and not indicative of healthy birds.

Trumpeter Swans in Flight - Image 936828

Optimistic Observations:

I found the gadwall and it still appears healthy.

Many trumpeter swans were flying and those on the water were still moving normally.

Many Canada geese were also flying.

Ice on Ice - Image 936830

Confusing Observation:

From an aerial point-of-view (much higher than this picture) I saw this bright white spot and was concerned I had found a dead trumpeter swan. By zooming into the area I promptly recognized I was fooled by a “dead swan-shaped” ice bubble. How was ice formed like this, and why here of all places?