Update Tuesday, Jan. 28 – As concern about the avian influenza grows following the announcement Monday that this year’s first positive case of avian influenza in domestic poultry in Pennsylvania has been confirmed, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area announced Tuesday that it is preparing special precautions for this year’s snow geese visit.
“Out of abundance of caution for both human and domestic animal health, some recreational spaces may close at Middle Creek WMA,” said area officials in a statement.
“Visitors to Middle Creek WMA are HIGHLY ADVISED to remain in their vehicles while observing wildlife from roadways.”
Closures will be communicated on the Middle Creek website and Facebook page. Areas of closure will be marked with “no entry” signage.
Read More: Avian flu kills 100s of snow geese near Allentown; is Middle Creek threatened?
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, a popular destination for observing large swarms of snow geese in the man-made lakes, is anticipating its peak season will be at the end of February or early March based on the current weather, according to environmental education specialist Brant Portner.
Portner said the peak time to see the birds shifts each year depending on the weather.
“Once the water opens, once it’s ice-free — and some snow on the ground doesn’t really help either — that’s when the snow geese really pile in,” he said. “The peak may be pushing back a little more this year than typical, but if things get warm in February, it could easily peak. If February is really cold, it’ll push it toward the end of the month, if not early March.”
Read More: Middle Creek migrations are expected sooner, but fewer snow geese are likely
Middle Creek is a popular rest stop for the migratory birds on their way north as the season changes to spring.
The man-made waterways offer options for the birds to roost at night. Then, they use the surrounding fields to search for food during the day.
Snow and ice typically keep the birds down south.
But once that clears up, Middle Creek can see over 100,000 birds.
Portner said last year’s peak was low at about 70,000, but 2018 saw over 150,000 snow geese. He said the amount of birds the area sees also depends on the weather patterns.
“When that water is frozen, that bottles them up to the south,” Portner said. “So when that finally does thaw, there’s just so many more snow geese that are eager to get north and we’ll have a lot here.”
He said the human visitor population usually increases and decreases based on the birds, too. When there are more birds, more people come to use the pathways and observation decks to enjoy the wildlife views.
He recommended people follow updates on the Middle Creek website or its Facebook page to plan their visit on when birds are arriving.
Read More: [Photo Story] Quiet beauty and still waters at Middle Creek
Locals should try to hit the area on weekdays, if possible, to avoid crowds and go at dawn or dusk to see the birds grouped together on the water. But they should also be aware of some of the dangers that come with being close to wild animals, especially with recent news of the avian flu.
“If they see dead snow geese or snow geese that are looking sick – we all love wildlife and we care about wildlife, but do not go pick up any injured wildlife, regardless of what it is,” Portner said. “Wildlife can bite, they’ll scratch you, they may be sick. You don’t want to get sick, you don’t want to get hurt.”
He said guidelines could change, so visitors should keep their eyes open for signage at Middle Creek or information posted online.
If someone sees an animal that looks sick or injured, they should contact the Game Commission’s dispatch number, 1-833-742-4868 or 1-833-742-9453.
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