It is early morning and the reflection of sound off my tin furnace chimney alerts me that the flock has grown exponentially. From it, I can hear the sounds of thousands and thousands of waterfowl. I am across the street from Worthington’s Okabena Lake. It has become the Midwest’s staging area for Birders. Thousands of dollars worth of spotting scopes can be seen on SailBoard Beach! Traffic has increased ten fold as both casual observers and dedicated birders have shown up from around the State.
This lake has an aeration system that allows the lake to open up before many other Minnesota Lakes.
Casual observers suspect they are looking at a large flock of Canada Geese when in actuality trained observers are seeing not only Canada Geese but also Cackling Goose, Greater White Fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swans,Pintails, Shovelers, Canvas Back, Wood duck, Coot, Bald Eagles on the shoreline. I will actually keep track of all the species tomorrow!
I find the most curious species is The Cackling Goose it is a 2/3rds replica of a Canada Goose. One has to be very careful when trying to identify this subspecies because a Canada Goose tends to tuck in its neck and that doesn’t make it a Cackling Goose! I suspect tomorrow will bring additional birds and birders.
Witness the spectacle of Spring on SailBoard Beach on Okabena Lake!
Bill Keitel
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