(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tom Hodgson and the Waterloo Natural History Association for the information and photos in this column.)
As the ice disappears on local lakes, waterfowl that spent the winter months in warmer climates are making their annual appearance.
Over 20 species will be seen on area lakes in March and April. Four of these, the wood duck, hooded merganser, blue-wing teal and mallard will stay to nest. The rest will travel further north, some even going as far as the Arctic circle. In a normal spring the ice break up comes in late March or early April. This spring, we are two to three weeks ahead of schedule.
On larger lakes like Cavanaugh, Pig Portage and Four Mile one can expect to see diving ducks like red-heads, canvas backs, golden eyes and mergansers. These birds sit low on the water and can dive down 30 feet or more in search of food.
On small, shallow lakes and ponds one is more likely to see dabbling ducks like mallards, pintails, gadwalls, wood ducks and blue-winged teal. Dabbling ducks sit high on the water and feed by tipping up in shallow water to find food.
Of all the ducks that visit our area only two actually quack, the female mallard and female black duck. All others make rather reedy, un-duck-like sounds. A slide show accompanying this article includes pictures of most commonly seen waterfowl both dabblers and divers.
All area lakes will have waterfowl on them from time to time, but those listed below provide some of the best public viewing.
Binoculars or spotting scopes are recommended for best viewing. Below are descriptions of some of the best viewing areas. Those who live on area lakes may be able to enjoy the migration without leaving the house.
- Big Portage Lake Unit, Jackson County: The public boat launch and adjacent picnic site afford good views of the lake looking north and east. The public beach and the fishing pier to the south of the boat launch are also good afternoon viewing areas. The best morning viewing is on the east side of the lake at the county park.
- Clear Lake County Park: The beach area at this county park offers a good view of the lake, good for midday and afternoon viewing. Enter the park from Clear Lake Road.
- Pondlily Lake, Havey Road: Good viewing from the south end of the lake. This is private land, so you must pull off the shoulder and remain on the Harvey Road. right of way. This is also a good area for viewing cranes and great egrets.
- Mud Lake Picnic Site: This site faces east and is great for mid-day and afternoon viewing. The easiest way to get there is to take Clear Lake Road north to Loveland and turn right.
- Winnewana Impoundment: The public access from Roe Road. Provides views to the south and east. For views to the north, you must walk a trail from the east end of the parking lot for a couple of hundred yards. A spotting scope is recommended for this site.
- Crooked Lake Access Site: There are several good viewing sites here. The boat launch provides a good view of the lake to the north. The fishing pier provides viewing both to the north and south. The picnic site at the south end of the visitor parking lot is good for afternoon viewing.
- Cavanaugh Lake Park: There is a good view of Cavanaugh Lake looking north. Parking is available on the south side of the road.
- Mill Lake Public Access: This site provides good view of the lake looking east. Walking the lake view trail from the south of the parking area will provide several additional viewing opportunities, as will the observation platform at the Discovery Center.
