Would you be interested in seeing a natural phenomenon that takes place
every year in Northern Lancaster County that involves thousands upon
thousands of Snow Geese? In a little over one month (starting
mid-February running through mid-March) flocks of Snow Geese on their
northern migration will be arriving at Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Area located in Kleinfeltersville, PA.
Middle
Creek Wildlife Management Area is a 6,254-acre area, owned and operated
by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The area is set aside for the
protection, propagation, management, preservation, and controlled
harvest of wildlife. They have wonderful hiking trails and it’s a haven
for bird watchers and photographers. You can even take a Self-Guided
Driving Tour of the area. We’ve also enjoyed riding our bikes through
the natural landscape. The visitor center is free and features wildlife
and environment displays. It’s ideal for an individual needing
reconnaissance of nature or a family who enjoys the outdoors. Did I
mention that they have resident Bald Eagles? For more information their
website is http://www.fieldtrip.com/pa/77331512.htm.
Snow
Geese breed in the Arctic Tundra and winter in farmlands, lakes and
coastal areas in the American south, southwest and east coast. These
geese occur only in North America, and make an annual round trip journey
of more than 5,000 miles at speeds of 50 mph or more. Snow Geese winter
in immense flocks, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. When
they take flight, the flock appears as a white cloud or when they are
nestled on the ground you may think it’s a snow covered hill (until the
snow takes flight).
My
personal recommendation would be to take the Willow Point Trail which
is paved and only ½ mile from one of the parking lots at Middle Creek
Management Area (note that this trail may be closed during waterfowl
hunting). At the Willow Point Trail you are able to walk out so that the
lake wraps around either side of where you are. The geese are noisy but
just take the time to wait for them to become unsettled and listen and
watch thousands of Snow Geese take off in flight from the water all at
the same time just feet from where you’re standing – what a phenomenon.
Submitted by Liz Ehrhart, Furnace Hills Bed and Breakfast
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