Snow geese are arriving daily and should be here in force by the weekend with dropping mercury readings to the north and a full moon phase on Nov.11. Plenty of water for the birds to use. The past two weeks of rain could not have come at a better time for the region. Habitat conditions were bleak and a threat of an early outbreak of cholera was imminent. New available roosting sources should help to spread the flocks out so the geese do not overuse limited sources of water, thereby limiting the outbreak of disease.
Pintails are on the prairie in force and decoying action has been outstanding.
Widgeon are showing on hunters' straps daily, as are gadwall and teal. The recent cool front should push blue-winged teal further south. Some mallards have been spotted on flats adjacent to wooded areas. Expect an influx of ducks with the upcoming full moon phase. Marsh hunting has been spotty.