Kip’s Comments - December 15, 2024
Waterfowl in the Death Zone and Positivity
As soon as the fog dissipated slightly this morning I put my drone in the air to check the status of the waterfowl die-off at Sweet Marsh. Unlike yesterday when there were very few trumpeter swans gathered with the Canada geese (many dead or dying) and ducks, today there were sixty or more swans in the small area of open water. The good news is so far I have not seen any swans that appear to be afflicted with whatever is creating the “Death Zone” at Sweet Marsh.
This link will take you to a video I put together showing the activity at the “Death Zone.”
Waterfowl in the "Death Zone" - Image 933247
Waterfowl in the "Death Zone" - Image 933253
Waterfowl in the "Death Zone" - Image 933256
On a much more positive note, today I watched a great blue heron successfully fishing in icy water near the Wapsipinicon River. Several minnows met their demise as the heron stalked in the cold, shallow water.
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 932926
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933015
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933032 (Notice circle in water around head)
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933053
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933079 (Notice small minnow in air in mouth)
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933141
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933189
Great Blue Heron in Fog in Winter - Image 933227
When I saw raindrops on these white pine needles I thought the scene was worthy of recording.
White Pine With Rain Drops - Image 933298
