Kip’s Comments - December 14, 2024 — LadagePhotography.com

Possible Avian Influenza at Sweet Marsh

The Iowa DNR put out a press release about avian influenza within the past couple/few days followed by local reports of avian influenza affecting waterfowl at Sweet Marsh. This information coincides with concerns I have had of sizable numbers of waterfowl being forced into small areas of open water due to the onset of ice.

Today I explored at Sweet Marsh to confirm the reports. What I witnessed was disturbing. Bald eagles were feeding on carcasses as nearby Canada geese were in the dying process. I watched a canvasback duck swim toward me biting at the air. Through it I was unable to assist. The most I could do was document the impacts as death and dying was happening.

How far will this go? Will we see ill and dead bald eagles, foxes, and coyotes? How soon until the swans go silent? What happens next? What stops this? I am researching to find answers.

I put together a video showing what is happening at Sweet Marsh. Be advised, the video is disturbing. View the video by clicking on this link:

“Possible Avian Influenza at Sweet Marsh”

I will share a couple of images from what I observed. Many more can be viewed in the video.