GREAT FALLS — As geese, swans and other waterfowl make their migration north into the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic, thousands of birds make a pit stop to rest and refuel at Freezeout Lake in North Central Montana, bringing in hundreds of spectators and bird enthusiasts to witness the massive flocks.
This year’s migration has been slower than normal, with numbers slightly below average.
“We actually had our biggest number of snow geese today and it was about 30,000 snow geese, which is close to average, but still below normal numbers," Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Wildlife Biologist Brent Lonner explains.
Lonner says those lower numbers are attributed to historic low water levels at Freezeout Lake due to drought conditions over the past three to four years.
“So far this year the snow packs a little better, it's still below average. It's better than last year, but it's going to take time to really build that back up," Lonner explains. "So when folks do come out this year if you do, you'll notice that especially the north part of the main part of Freezeout is fairly dry.”
While waterfowl are still stopping at Freezeout, given the water conditions they are moving on more quickly, finding other places to go.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks would also like to remind folks that a conservation license is required to recreate at Freezeout Lake, and when attending the Wild Wings Festival to keep some distance away from the birds to leave them as undisturbed as possible.
