The past few years the swans have been moving about and can be found in the Reserve and in the surrounding fields adjacent to the Reserve. You may see hundreds of Trumpeter Swans, a few Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, and thousands of ducks of several species including Mallards and Pintails. Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers and Cooper’s Hawks are common raptors and many other bird species are possible during this time of year.

Crops Planted: Crops Planted The site is usually planted in corn or potatoes depending on the rotational cropping plan. The past two years, the site has been undergoing soil restoration and about one-half of the Reserve is planted in alfalfa. This improves soil condition as well as restoring important nutrients lost with continuous plantings of corn or potatoes.

The current cropping plan is to harvest the corn or potatoes and over-seed with winter wheat. The waste crop left in the field is highly attractive to swans and the winter wheat provides additional winter forage for the birds. Some corn is left standing, then knocked down in late January after hunting season to provide an additional food resource.