There's a lot of activity these days at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Greene County, Indiana. It's a great time to view a variety of birds in this area, that is if you can get close enough to get a good look. Goose Pond provides quality wildlife viewing and outdoor opportunities on 8,064 acres of prairie and marsh habitat. Indiana's Department of Natural Resources purchased the property in 2005 with the help of The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Indiana Department of Transportation, United States Fish & Wildlife Service and many other organizations. There's over 5,000 acres of shallow water wetlands in the area and 1,300 acres of prairie. More than 300 species of birds have been documented at Goose Pond. And with 30 miles of levees to hike on, there are plenty of opportunities to get a glimpse of the wildlife here. (A levee is a small, continuous ridge that surrounds fields or marshes that are irrigated or hold water.) Visitors are required to sign in at the office or at any of the self-service centers on the property.I recently made a visit down to Goose Pond. It was a cold day in December and windy. I was dressed in layers to keep warm and hopeful I might see a lot waterfowl and other birds.
I enjoy winter hikes as the landscape is very different compared to the warmer seasons.
When I arrived, I parked at one of the designated parking areas and headed across a levee to narrow the distance between myself and the ponds on each side of me.As I was nearing one of the ponds, I noticed a great many muskrat dens spread out across water. They sort of look like little huts.
It looked like a muskrat village. Muskrats live in family groups with clearly defined territories.
Due to a recent cold snap, the ponds were covered in ice. The sun was shining, which gave a beautiful sheen to surface of the ice. What a beautiful scene it was that lay before me. All was quiet at that moment. Perhaps it was too cold for the muskrats to be out.
I took time to breathe deep and be patient, trying not to move very much and remain as quiet as possible. I have learned one of the secrets of viewing wildlife is to not make your presence known -- except for bears, of course. (That's a story for another day.) I took a lot of photos while I waited. I was about to give up on seeing any cranes or geese.
Contemplating my next move as I stood on a levee, I suddenly heard a loud sound. I looked up into the sky and saw hundreds of sandhill cranes flying around in circles, a big moving mass in the sky. They were flying towards me. I was thrilled! The wind was strong but their collective calls could still be heard over its howling.
I think these birds are my favorite. A person doesn't get to see them every day. They are in a migration pattern right now and make a stop at Goose Pond every year during their journey.
Sandhill cranes are very large, tall birds with a long neck, long legs, and broad wings. The bulky body tapers into a slender neck; the short tail is covered by drooping feathers that form a "bustle." The head is small and the bill is straight and longer than the head.
If you get the chance to see one, you should.
It's fascinating to watch them in flight. It's like watching a graceful group of dancers just gliding through the air like the dance of nature.
These elegant birds are also known for their dancing in courtship rituals and for their loud calls that sound similar to a bugle. Imagine hundreds of bugles all blowing at the same time. They choose a mate for life and they migrate twice a year, usually in very large numbers.
It's so amazing to view these birds in nature. Seeing these beautiful creatures had made my day!
I got in a good hike while at Goose Pond as well as time well spent with nature. To get to this place: From Spencer, take U.S. 231/Ind. 67 southfor 29 miles and then turn right on West Broad Street. In 475 feet, turn right on West Street. In 0.4 miles, turn left on County Road 200 South. In 4.1 miles, turn left on Ind. 59. In 2.8 miles, turn right on County Road 400 South. The office is located at 13540 W. County Road 400 South. A quote for your week: "I wish to live a life that causes my soul to dance inside my body." -- Dele Olanubi, writerUntil the next trail,Susan