The annual Snow Geese migration

If you’ve lived in Lancaster County for any length of time, then you’ve probably heard about a natural phenomenon that takes place nearby each year… the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese to Middle Creek.

Starting in late winter, you might see (and hear) these all-white fowl flying VERY high above you on their way to points north. They fly a lot higher than Canada Geese and flocks can be well into the hundreds. On their way to the Arctic Circle, hundreds of thousands of them stop at Middle Creek before making their final push north.

So what makes this migration so special? I sat down with friend and fellow wildlife photographer, Joey Endy to find out more. Joey is an award-winning wildlife photographer whose work is published in print nationally. You can learn more and see his portfolio here.

Q&A with Joey Endy:

1) What do you (and others) find special about the annual snow geese migration at Middle Creek? 

Joey: The snow geese migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is nothing short of amazing to witness. When you see and hear up to 150,000 or more snow geese take off all at the same time, it is absolutely stunning.  People come from all over to witness the migration. It can get very crowded with people during snow goose season. Once you witness a giant take off, it’s a moment you will never forget! The migration is a sight to see for young and old. Many photographers enjoy capturing images of the geese whiting out the sky. The amount of birds in the sky make it perfect for cell phone video as well. Spotting scopes and binoculars round out the viewing equipment for many.

2) Beside Snow Geese, what other migratory species come through Middle Creek during the spring and fall?

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is home to a variety of birds and ducks that migrate in different seasons. In the winter you will have the Snow Geese and duck migration along with some short-eared owls and other winter birds.
In spring time, you will have the warbler migration and warmer weather birds starting to arrive along with my favorite, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. In fall, you have a fall warbler migration again and many of the warm-weather birds will start to migrate as well. Some bird species remain at Middle Creek year-round such as some songbirds, eagles, Canada geese, hawks and certain ducks. Also present all year are the White-Tailed Deer, turkey, pheasants, and more.

3) You have been part of the tagging program for waterfowl species at Middle Creek. What does that program tell researchers about migratory species?

Back in 2020, I was invited by the PA Game Commission to photograph duck banding. It was an amazing experience and I felt so honored to be able to see and photograph the process. I was even allowed to release a few ducks. To feel the duck’s heartbeat in the palm of my hand was definitely something I will never forget. The game commission will put large live cage traps out with food and they check them daily. When they tag and band ducks, there is a metal tag that has a series of numbers that is recorded and loosely attached to their leg, along with wing measurements taken and an overall health check. When the same duck is caught, the information is recorded and sent to a database. The waterfowl can be monitored to see flight patterns and growth. With snow geese, they will get an easy-to-read neck band or a GPS collar. Most of the time the collar is visible by a camera, scope or binoculars. People who can visually obtain a number are encouraged to submit that info to the US Fish & Wildlife Commission via their website.  You will get a reply in a week or so with a printable certificate and information about the bird, including where it was originally from. Most originate from Canada. Some are equipped with GPS collars that allow them to constantly monitor the bird.

4) Where and what time of day is the best for viewing and photographing the Snow Geese?

The Snow Geese usually show up from early February until late March. The best times to see them are usually early morning at sunrise and right before sunset when the geese either leave or return from the fields. They will take flight during the day as well, especially if a Bald Eagle flies overhead and scares the flock into the air. They will circle a few times & usually land back to the safety of the water. Sometimes they will travel close within the Management area to feed and other times they will leave the management area to find food in the local fields.