Kip’s Comments - December 17, 2024 — LadagePhotography.com

What If?

Readers with a history of sunrises and sunsets behind them may remember a time when whitetails in Northeast Iowa were a rarity. About the same time seeing bald eagles was a special moment. Neither species was common as both are now.

I don’t remember what happened or how the population of deer was increased to the level they are now - almost too many in some locales. Bald eagle numbers rebounded after the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson was published. The book was the beginning of the end for DDT - a chemical that was causing soft shells in eagles and other birds following indiscriminate use.

I thought about deer and DDT and geese and swans and wildlife illnesses today as I scanned the “Death Zone” at Sweet Marsh with my drone. This morning I saw at least 42 dead Canada geese, a handful of dying geese, and many more waterfowl (including swans) gathered together in close proximity. I wondered how far this outbreak will go?

What if Canada geese - the birds we tend to ignore or become frustrated become like eagles once were? I know that is a long shot, but what if? Or, what if our whitetail deer herd is severely impacted by chronic wasting disease or hemorrhagic disease? Both are confirmed in the state, both are not far from us. What if our deer herd and our goose flocks - along with other wildlife - are suddenly reduced in numbers? Not only would there be an economic impact, but what if the landscape is void of those sightings?

We have a few months before our weather warms again. Between now and then the most vulnerable wildlife will be taken by disease, predators, or just because many don’t survive from year to year. What if the illnesses affecting our wildlife have a disproportionate affect compounding the losses? When will we know? Who is monitoring the big picture? Might we relive a silent spring? Hopefully these situations are being watched.

This link will take you to my video from this mornings view at the “Death Zone” at Sweet Marsh.

Sweet Marsh Waterfowl Update

Following are pictures from today.