Every spring a spectacular migration of Snow Geese takes place in Central Montana’s Freezout Lake. They winter in central California, rest for a week or two here at Freezout, then continue to their Arctic tundra breeding grounds. By the end of March annually there can be 50,000 geese a day at Freezout!
It is now 6:30am and time to appreciate a beautiful pre-sunrise sky. The wind is picking up and we have a bit of a hike to get closer to the geese. Deep, peaceful breath . . . let’s go!
All types of birds stop at Freezout Lake on their migration north from late February through April, but the last 10 days of March the Snow Geese dominate. You see them in long deep lines in the larger lakes a Freezout.
Wait–“the larger lakes” at Freezout? Yes, it is actually Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area which gets shortened to Freezout or Freezout Lake. You can see below, the area consists of six ponds and the main lake. Most of the ponds are very large. The above picture is Pond 5 at 7:30am.
You need a spotting scope, or in my case, a longer camera lens, to see the birds closer. This morning we were lucky to be at smaller Pond 6 and the geese were closer than usual. Still they were a double zoom away–in other words, not close.
Notice the smaller birds with gray wings? Ring-billed Gulls. Those of us who grew up near the ocean often called them seagulls. Well, surprise! Many gulls spend much more time inland and the Ring-billed Gulls may never see the ocean. So when you see them on lakes, ponds, and rivers, it is not unusual and it may be their home.
Snow Geese mate for life, typically finding a mate in their second year, having their first brood at three. They live in flocks of at least a couple dozen and nest in colonies. Getting a “portrait” of a snow goose is really tough, but I tried. Most people come to Freezout in March to see the en mass take offs to the surrounding farm fields were they feed. They return to the ponds later to overnight in the safety of the water. Otherwise they could be a yummy bite for coyotes, foxes, and others.
Take offs are amazing, like the Sandhill Crane migration we saw in Monte Vista, Colorado. There is no telling exactly when take off will happen, but when it does . . .
Snow Geese may spend a lot of time on water, but they are voracious vegetarians. Luckily they are well on their way north before growing season starts across Montana’s vast farmlands.
Sometimes, like when we arrived at Freezout about 1pm the first day, the geese are still on the ponds? Well, the wind was up to 70mph, really damaged my gas mileage with steady head winds for 2.5-hours, but upon arrival the wind was significantly slowing. It seems the geese decided it was time for lunch since they missed breakfast. Or maybe they were waiting for us to arrive 😉 .
What is truly amazing about Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area? Not only the number of birds that pass through Freezout on these incredible migrations (geese, swans, all types of ducks), but also the number that come to nest and have their young. The area has thousand of young waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, even raptors from May through the summer. We will be taking another trip soon (or 10)!
Until next time my friend . . . it’s springtime! Open those windows and enjoy the bird songs!!
Really enjoyed this blog Joy. While we have snow geese around here, I personally have never seen one up close.
Here you have thousands. Wondering how they have enough food to fuel their migration.
Another concern would be their droppings fouling the waters.
Keep up your wonderful stories.
Jeff Hutchinson
Freezeout. Love all the great outdoors/wilderness names of the places you visit. This post just increased my appreciation for our wild feathered friends. Thank you!