Kip’s Comments - December 22, 2024

Another Two Part Post - Waterfowl Observations and Outbreak Update

With an outbreak underway at Sweet Marsh I would rather not see too many duck species here during winter. But, today I observed and photographed a gadwall, northern shoveler, and mallards along with Canada geese and trumpeter swans. Hopefully none of these ducks have been exposed, but I would guess they have been.

Northern Shoveler and Gadwall - Image 934467

Northern Shoveler - Image 934339

Gadwall - Image 934175

Gadwall - Image 934189

As waterfowl die at Sweet Marsh, scavenging is underway. Today I watched bald eagles and American coots feed on dead waterfowl. This then puts the scavengers at risk of the same ugly deaths.

For the first time today I found that some birds are being fed on as soon as they succumb to the outbreak or are possibly killed when down as indicated by the pools of blood in the snow. Until today birds were eaten after they froze.

This outbreak continues across the country.

I have updated the DNR on today's observations.

The following video shows the current activities at Sweet Marsh at the “Death Zone.”

Sweet Marsh Waterfowl Update - Aggressive Scavenging

This may be difficult for some to watch. Viewer discretion is advised.

Bald Eagles Feeding on Dead Waterfowl - Image 934121

Trumpeter Swan Cygnet Walking in Circles - Image 934478