Southern Valley Geese...

[Lured In]

On my way back from elk hunting I was surprised to see so many geese so far down in the valley. They were especially concentrated between Cottage Grove and Creswell right along I-5.

The appeared to be hitting the pastures and some of the winter wheat fields and were going out to feed around noon. All total saw about 300 in that area. Saw a few more flocks just west of the rest stop that is north of Eugene (mile marker 210 or so). Not too many flying up around Ankeny that I saw, though.

[ 11-19-2002, 08:34 AM: Message edited by: Lured In ]

[GutshotApe]

Can't remember the numbers but there has been a big increase in goose numbers in the so. valley in recent years. Many of them gather out on open water in Fern Ridge and every morning big flocks lift off and fan out to feed, returning each evening. Quite the spectacle if you like to see big masses of geese wheeling & circling.

[bigshark]

Ever wonder why the tavies took a liking to the valley? You would think more greaters would show up. Does anyone out there know why the tavies are so many? One would assume that this would have happened decades ago. Surely the drop in Duskys didn't just give them a signal to come to the valley.
Why now?

[GutshotApe]

Don't know if its true but I think the Taverner increase coincided with the general goose hunting closure to protect the duskies. Previousy they always flew on to Calif because they got shot at in Oregon. Then, no more shooting, so why fly farther south?