I've lived in Kandiyohi county most of my life and never have I witnessed a goose migration like yesterday, 3/11. From 9-10 a.m. (one hour) I counted 8,150 white fronted geese as they migrated over me. I conservatively saw 20,000 geese yesterday and for the first time in my life (in this county) 70-75% were white fronteds, with about 5-8% white geese. Almost all the white fronteds were migrating due west, some even SW as the wind pushed them north.
We have very limited open water and no flooded fields. That being said, I found NO white fronted geese anywhere on the ground or the limited lake water. Landed birds were reported from only one county location. Because of the general lack of water statewide, I suspect the birds moved farther north along the Mississippi flood plain before cutting west, and would be interested in reports from those of you along that part of SE Minnesota. Also saw 24 FOY species yesterday, another personal record...and most of the day was spent working in the yard! Randy Frederickson Willmar ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
