Livestream of the migration at Middle Creek
This livestream from Willow Point at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and HDOnTap. The best times to view snow geese on the lake are sunrise (before they leave to feed in neighboring fields) and sunset (as they return from feeding to roost). Other species of waterfowl including tundra swans, Canada geese, and many species of ducks can be viewed throughout the day.
- Learn more about the snow geese migration at Middle Creek in this webinar.
Middle Creek Snow Goose Migration
Watch and Overview of the Middle Creek Snow Goose Migration
Virtual Hike to Middle Creek's Willow Point
Take a virtual trip down the easy, 0.4-mile, paved path to Willow Point with Middle Creek staff.
View periodic estimates of the numbers of various waterfowl visiting and annual summaries below.
ADVISORY: Please note that these numbers are estimates and subject to rapid and dramatic change. Major weather events including snow and freezing temperatures can quickly impact the number of birds that can be found at Middle Creek. These updates are submitted by Middle Creek Staff.
2025 Migration Updates
March 14th, 2025
As expected, the number of migratory waterfowl has continued to drop since the last update. Warm temperatures pushed snow geese and tundra swans north of Middle Creek, where they wait to make their final pushes to their arctic breeding grounds.
We thank you all for your understanding and patience this year, we know it was nothing like a “typical” migration season at Middle Creek. This season was interesting with an unexpected wildlife disease outbreak, closures of Middle Creek viewing areas, cold winter temperatures, and unpredictable snow geese.
This year our peak number of snow geese was right around 100,000 on February 18th. To find out how this compares to last year’s numbers, check out the Spring Migration Summary article in Middle Creek’s 2025 Spring Newsletter, which will be available to the public on March 20th. Our current issue of the newsletter can be found on Middle Creek’s webpage.
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, ring-necked duck, northern shoveler, ruddy duck, wood duck, scaup species, great blue heron, and bald eagle.
If you missed the migration this year, don’t worry. There is always next year! Also, Middle Creek is home to over 110 species of breeding birds that are just beginning their northern journeys. Middle Creek is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year!
Until next year…
- Snow Geese: 250
- Tundra Swans: 15
- Canada Geese: 130
March 11th, 2025
Wow, what a perfect afternoon to visit Middle Creek! I'm so glad the areas are open again. The sun is shining brilliantly, and I can't believe my eyes - there must be around 50,000 snow geese covering the lake right now. Hold on though... something doesn't add up. Didn't the Game Commission report only 9,000 snow geese in their most recent count?
While the early morning counts typically provide the highest number of snow geese on the property, the last two weeks, this hasn’t been the case. The number of snow geese roosting on the lake overnight has significantly decreased, while numbers of “loafing” birds in the afternoons have increased to between 20,000 - 50,000. While our numbers would typically be highest at sunrise, mid-afternoon has been providing the highest count. This abnormal behavior is a friendly reminder that these birds are wild, and our counts are just a snapshot of the whole picture.
Our theory behind this interesting dynamic is that snow geese in the area have found other places besides Middle Creek’s main lake to roost overnight. At the beginning of this year’s spring migration, several surrounding smaller water bodies remained frozen while the main lake thawed, allowing for open water to roost on. As the temperature increases and smaller bodies of water open, the snow geese have found other places to roost.
This past weekend’s warmer weather seems to have our migration visitors on the move. We have seen a significant decrease in tundra swans utilizing the lake since our last count as well as large movements of flyover flocks of Canada Geese across the landscape in the last day. Soon enough, the snow geese and tundra swans will reach their breeding grounds and focus on the next generation. If everything goes smoothly, we will most likely see these young visiting Middle Creek next spring during their migration.
- Snow Geese: 5,000
- Tundra Swans: 80
- Canada Geese: 710
March 7th, 2025
Songbirds are moving in, days are getting longer, and we officially spring forward tomorrow evening! With spring right around the corner will the snow geese spring to their next migration destination or will they hang around Middle Creek for a little longer? With this morning’s count being significantly less than previous weeks, it seems like the snow geese may be continuing their northern movements.
As mentioned at the beginning of the snow goose season, this year was a more “typical” winter with cold temperatures, regular snowfall, and ice. This led to the snow geese starting to pile up in early February, whereas in previous years we saw large numbers of snow geese as early as December. The big question is, will they leave next week as we would see in a “typical” snow goose season, or will the snow geese surprise us yet again? Tune in to our count next week to find out!
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, ring-necked duck, common merganser, gadwall, northern pintail, common goldeneye, ring-billed gull, and bald eagle.
Important Update: As of Saturday, March 8th, all previous closures at Middle Creek will be lifted.
This includes the following areas:
- Willow Point Trail & Archery Range
- Wildlife Drive
- Reminder: the Cul-de-sac Road will remain closed until April 1st
- Boat Launch Parking Area & Fishing Access
- Reminder: non-motorized boating is still prohibited until May 15th
- White Oak Picnic Area
- Deer Path Trail
- All parking lots adjacent to the main lake
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm.
- Snow Geese: 9,000
- Tundra Swans: 590
- Canada Geese: 965
March 4th, 2025
31,001, 31,002, 31,003... Oh shoot, they flushed! Before you imagine two dedicated Middle Creek team members manically tallying individual geese like some bizarre avian census, let’s clarify our actual method.
We don't count snow geese one by one—that would be a comedic exercise in futility.
Snow goose counts occur when they are most abundant on the landscape. Since they roost on the main lake overnight, they are in some of their highest numbers first thing in the morning. Right around sunrise, the geese will lift off in search of local agricultural fields to feed. To get the most accurate number, we get there an hour before sunrise and begin our count.
We start by positioning the scope at one end of the large group of geese, gathering several birds in the view line of the scope, and roughly counting how many birds fill the field of view. From there, we determine how many scopes of birds it takes to cover the flock and multiply that number by how many geese we counted in the original scope full. The density of the flock will vary across the flock, so numbers are adjusted accordingly. Overall, it is a best estimate, not an exact count.
Think you’ve got what it takes to count the geese? Test your counting skills here at the US Fish and Wildlife Services website! You can also try counting the geese through the Middle Creek Snow Goose Livestream!
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, ring-necked duck, gadwall, American wigeon, redhead, ring-billed gull, and bald eagle.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 38,000
- Tundra Swans: 1,275
- Canada Geese: 945
February 28th, 2025:
Important Notice: Middle Creek Wildlife Drive will remain closed past the normal seasonal opening of March 1st. This decision has been made in an abundance of caution due to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak in wild birds and domestic flocks within the Lancaster/Lebanon areas surrounding Middle Creek WMA. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this year’s unusual snow goose migration.
Over the last week, snow geese have gathered in large flocks on the main lake later in the day. Geese have been seen returning from their morning feedings around 11:30 am and have continued to fly in as the day progresses. This is nothing out of the ordinary, however when looking at the size of the afternoon flocks, you might think there are more than 50,000 snow geese at Middle Creek.
While we do our counts in the morning to try and guarantee large numbers of birds who roosted or slept on the lake overnight, these counts are just a snapshot of wildlife. As we know, birds are always moving in and out of the property, so it makes sense that numbers will fluctuate throughout the day. For more information on how we count the geese, check out next week’s snow goose update where we will explain the process.
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, ring-necked duck, gadwall, American wigeon, bald eagle, and greater white-fronted goose.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 50,000
- Tundra Swans: 1,350
- Canada Geese: 850
February 25th, 2025:
The unmistakable song of the red-winged blackbird and the warming temperatures tell us that spring is right around the corner. The birds seem to be singing louder, and the days are growing longer. In a few months, we will trade migratory waterfowl for migratory shorebirds who utilize the mudflats created through drawdowns.
Snow goose numbers have increased slightly from our last count but remain relatively close to that 50,000 mark. It is hard to say what the following weeks will bring. Stay in the loop by checking out the most recent snow goose sightings here. You can also contribute to community science by adding your bird sightings to the eBird database.
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, northern pintail, ring-necked duck, gadwall, ring-billed gull, bald eagle, great blue heron, and sandhill crane.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up and the HDonTap camera for real-time updates.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well
- Snow Geese: 67,000
- Tundra Swans: 915
- Canada Geese: 820
February 21st, 2025:
This week’s frigid temperatures caused the main lake to fully freeze back over since our last count significantly reducing the number of birds roosting overnight. This morning’s count being less than half of Tuesday’s numbers, has many of us wondering what the snow geese will do next. Will warmer temperatures next week bring them to Middle Creek, or will they push the birds North to their next destination?
The correct answer to these questions is that we truly do not know. While weather patterns and food availability greatly impact their decisions, the snow geese are unpredictable and play by their own rules. Will 100,000 be our peak for the 2025 season, or are there more snow geese in Middle Creek’s near future? Check back next week to find out!
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, northern pintail, and ring-necked duck.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up and the HDonTap camera for real-time updates.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 48,000
- Tundra Swans: 570
- Canada Geese: 440
February 18th, 2025:
This weekend’s windy weather doesn’t seem to be affecting the migration as new flocks of snow geese continue to pour in to the lake here at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. During this morning’s count, several family groups continued to move in and gather in tight groupings on the lake. While this made counting tricky, it allowed the snow geese to keep warm in the frigid early morning temps.
Many people have inquired about the best location to see the snow geese with the ongoing closures at Middle Creek. The vista along the Conservation Trail, directly in front of the Visitors Center, provides the best overview of the main lake. Large groups of snow geese can still be seen in their tornado display as they arrive at and leave the lake. Check out our Hiking Trails Brochure or the Visitors Center for more information.
Additional bird species sighted include American black duck, mallard, northern shoveler, northern pintail, ring-necked duck, bald eagle, and ring-billed gull.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up and the HDonTap camera for real-time updates.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 100,000
- Tundra Swans: 715
- Canada Geese: 665
February 14th, 2025:
Each year, Middle Creek welcomes thousands of migratory birds that draw thousands of visitors from all walks of life. People travel from across the world to witness the incredible spectacle of the Middle Creek spring snow goose migration. On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate how the love of nature and wildlife brings us together.
Although this week brought cold temperatures that made us want to bundle up and stay inside, it seemed to attract these winter birds to the Middle Creek Management Area. With the continuation of snow melting off nearby fields, we see an increase in snow geese feeding locally throughout the day.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up and the HDonTap camera for real-time updates.
Additional waterfowl have also enjoyed the open water on the lake. Duck species spotted include mallards, American black ducks, and common mergansers.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 78,000
- Tundra Swans: 710
- Canada Geese: 940
February 11th, 2025:
Snow geese numbers are continuing to rise here at Middle Creek! At this time last year, there were about 8,000 geese on the main lake, and with the latest count this morning, there are almost six times that many geese! The main lake is slowly starting to thaw, with the pocket of open water growing and allowing for more room to roost.
With winter weather forecasted for this week, we may see a fluctuation of snow goose numbers on the lake. Strong storms pushing from the south may guide them further north and closer to their Arctic breeding grounds. Keep an eye on the HDonTap camera for real-time updates.
With more open water available, there has been an uptick in migratory waterfowl utilizing the lake including American black duck, mallard, American wigeon, northern pintail, gadwall, common merganser, ring-necked duck, and greater white-fronted goose.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up.
As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-4 pm and Sunday 12 pm-5 pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 52,000
- Tundra Swans: 320
- Canada Geese: 630
February 7th, 2025:
Welcome to the 2025 Spring waterfowl migration season at Middle Creek!
This winter has been the first near-average winter in the last several years, resulting in what would be a “typical” spring migration. We saw a few flocks of tundra swans and snow geese earlier in the year, but these flocks were quickly pushed out of Middle Creek due to snow on fields, preventing feeding and several inches of ice on the main lake and other impoundments on the property, preventing roosting.
Just as the lake was beginning to open and snow geese were making their way to Middle Creek, our region experienced an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), resulting in hundreds of deceased snow geese and other species. As an agency, the Pennsylvania Game Commission had to make some hard decisions to keep the public safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to commercial and home poultry flocks. This resulted in certain areas in the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area closing to the public.
Regardless of these closures, population and migration data is still crucial to collect and important information to share with our followers. We will continue to count the migrating waterfowl as they pass through Middle Creek and post these updates to our website. We encourage our followers to enjoy the migration virtually via the HDontap Camera on our website. If you do travel out to Middle Creek in the coming weeks, please note that access points and trails around the lake are still closed to the public and visitors are HIGHLY advised to remain in their vehicles while viewing wildlife on the property. The presence of sick and deceased waterfowl on the main lake during this morning’s count reaffirms the need for these closures and an ongoing risk of transmission with large populations utilizing the lake. To learn more about Middle Creek’s closed areas, please read the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s News Release.
Keep an eye on our regularly updated counts on this page to see how the migration is shaping up. As a reminder, our visitors center is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. All wooded hiking trails remain open as well.
- Snow Geese: 35,000
- Tundra Swans: 575
- Canada Geese: 800
MIGRATION BACKGROUND
The period that annually attracts the most birds, and visitors, remains late winter. During this timeframe, large numbers of migrating waterfowl normally appear. In recent years, more than 100,000 snow geese, 10,000 tundra swans, 10,000 Canada geese, and a wide variety of ducks have stopped at Middle Creek while pushing north to their breeding grounds. It's also a great place to see northern harriers, or "marsh hawks," nesting and immature bald eagles, and more common creatures such as white-tailed deer and red-tailed hawks.
There are many variables that determine the arrival of migrating waterfowl. The most significant is icing. When the ice on the main impoundment thaws to create areas of open water, the birds begin to arrive. Snow cover on the surrounding agricultural fields also influences the arrival waterfowl because it can limit access to the waste grains these birds depend on for food. Therefore, areas of open water and limited or no snow cover on adjacent fields strongly influence Middle Creek's drawing and holding power for migrants.
Many of the migrants that come to Middle Creek winter south of Pennsylvania and usually begin to push north in conjunction with spring thaw. During extreme winters with a late thaw, however, there's always a chance waterfowl will fly over Middle Creek, or stop only briefly. Timing is critical for migration and nesting.
Exactly when birds arrive can be difficult to predict. Generally, the birds, when conditions permit, begin to arrive in late February or early March. For those planning a trip to Middle Creek, the first weekend in March would be a good time to visit. A map of the area is available at the Visitors Center, as are the latest updates and bird sightings. Make sure to bring along binoculars, and field guide to help identify some of the birds you'll see. Warm clothes also an important consideration if you plan to drive with your windows open. A camera also is usually worth taking, because sometimes tremendous photo opportunities arise at Middle Creek.
After stopping by the Center, visitors follow the self-guided driving tour to Stop #1, located at the lower end of the lake. This is normally an excellent site to view tundra swans. Another suggestion would be to hike to Willow Point. At dusk or dawn, this provides the best vantage for snow geese. To fully appreciate Middle Creek, a drive through the interior on the Tour Road shouldn't be missed. Weather and driving conditions permitting, the Tour Road will open March 1. A significant portion of the interior remains Propagation Area where entry is prohibited. It is because of the Propagation Area that waterfowl are attracted to Middle Creek. Within these areas, the habitat and lack of human disturbance remain the primary reason why Middle Creek has become such a vital stop to migrating waterfowl.