What A Display!

Even with brisk weather conditions - cold temperatures with winds matching the temps - the wildlife displays in our areas were exceptional this morning. Above the dam in Frederika many bald eagles were feeding on the remains of carp laying on the ice.

At Sweet Marsh wildlife observations were even better. In addition to bald eagles, sandhill cranes were seen or heard at Sweet Marsh to the tune of 100 or more of the tall birds. I saw two flocks alone that exceeded 35 birds each! And those birds were not all the cranes I saw or heard.

I did see some waterfowl - mostly mallards - and most a long distance away. These scaup caught my attention as they took flight near me.

Some of the most plentiful migrant birds to photograph today were American robins feeding on dried berries/seeds in bushes along the road.

Resting in ice, with plenty of warmth to keep ice open, was this Canada goose. Some of the geese have already claimed mounds and will soon be sitting on eggs.

For those wanting to see wildlife, especially sandhill cranes, at Sweet Marsh, walk around Segment A east of Tripoli. Cross the two bridges over the Wapsipinicon River and turn left into the marsh. Then turn right toward the first boat ramp and walk the dike all around the pool. Eventually you will see the drawn-down Marten’s Lake where Sandhill Cranes seem to be gathering in large numbers. Sandhill cranes can often be heard. If you are lucky you may see cranes in the air too. Good luck!

Word of Caution - Occasionally holes develop on the dikes at Sweet Marsh. A number of years ago I hit one of the holes while riding my fat-tire bike on the dike. The hole was surrounded by grass and I did not see it. My front wheel dropped into the hole and I went down - hitting my head (yes, I was wearing a helmet) on the ground. I was down on the dike unconscious for an unknown length of time, I suffered a traumatic brain injury, damaged a wrist requiring surgery, and broke my lens into many pieces.

I share this experience because there is a large hole on the dike around Segment A this spring. Since there is no grass growing yet, the hole is very visible unless you are seriously distracted.

It appears a truck dropped at least one wheel, if not both, into the hole. Hopefully this hole in the dike will be filled before anyone is hurt.

By the way, I have not walked all of the dikes so I cannot advise whether or not there are more holes to be wary of.

This picture shows the hole on the east dike leading around Segment A. Compare the width of the tire track to the size of the hole. This one is large and deep. Beware!