OUTDOOR CORNER: SPRING WATERFOWL CURE CABIN FEVER

"I have cabin fever," a co-worker recently stated. Just a few days later I was visiting with a friend of mine who seemed a bit out of sorts. When I asked what might be the matter he retorted, "Winter blahs. There's just nothing to do outdoors right now."

My suggestion that he might consider participating in the "Spring Waterfowl Season" brought a shocked look. He could not believe that I, a wildlife management biologist, could possibly suggest that he hunt ducks in the spring. I quickly corrected his misunderstanding. I had not suggested he hunt ducks in the spring, rather that he might enjoy the spring waterfowl season.

Few people notice nor are aware of waterfowl that migrate through and rest here in southeast Missouri during early spring.

In the fall, 10 million or so ducks and at least one million geese filter through Missouri on their southerly migrations. The first of these ducks, species such as blue-winged teal and pintails may begin to appear on marshes, ponds and along rivers as early as the end of August. As the first early cool fronts of September push their way south into Missouri, more teal and pintails are joined by other species -- green-winged teal, wigeon and early mallards. Each cold spell brings more ducks until all but the heartiest -- ringnecks, blackducks and mallards -- have left Missouri for destinations further south.

Fall migration lasts until late December most years, a period of three to four months.

Spring migration, in contrast, is much more frenzied. The earliest migrating ducks -- mallards -- will pass through Missouri in late February or early March. The migration patterns of the fall are reversed in the spring. Not only in the direction, but in the order in which species migrate. Mallards, for example, will be laying eggs on the breeding grounds before blue-winged teal arrive in Missouri in peak numbers on their flight north.

Now they are in a hurry to return north to the nesting grounds, timing their arrival to occur just after snow and ice have melted.

As the ducks work their way north through the Show-Me state, the individual ducks in top condition stop only briefly to rest and feed. Other ducks which still are lacking in body weight and condition will tarry longer.

By mid-April most ducks have left our state on the trek north. Spring migration lasts little more than six weeks. This six-week period can be a wonderful time to be outdoors observing these feathered gypsies. Ten to 20 different waterfowl species may be observed at this time.

In spring, the males of all duck species are feathered in their finest breeding plumage. Male shovelers, blue-winged teal and ruddy ducks, for example, entered Missouri in the fall looking dull brown, much like the females. By spring, however, their winter molt has produced striking colors, white cheek patches, shining iridescent black heads, variegated feathers, brilliant patches of color on wings, orange legs and feet and piercing yellow and red eyes. All of these are important visual stimuli in the effort to find and win a mate.

In the spring, marshes and other wetlands are very busy, noisy places as ducks splash, swim, chase and fly. With their displays they often whistle, peep, squeak, burp and, of course, quack in a variety of duck dialogue. Aerialbatic and acrobatic routines occur constantly as ducks of various species put on displays in flight on the water.

If you think this sounds like an interesting family activity, I have a few suggestions.

Plan to go in late February or early March. Pick a day which is sunny, not too cold (above freezing) or windy. Ducks will be more active on warm days and the sun will make the colors more spectacular. Try to find a viewing location where the sun is at your back.

Binoculars are a necessity and a spotting scope is a very good idea. Next you might want to consider having a field guide to birds along to help with identification. The Missouri Conservation Department has a brochure "Missouri's Spring Duck Season," which was printed just for this purpose. You can receive one by stopping by the Department's Southeast Service Center at Cape County Park North, 2302 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, or calling (573)290-5730.

Finally you need a place to participate in the "Spring Waterfowl Season." This year in southeast Missouri I suggest that you go to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge or Duck Creek Conservation Area. Both are located on Highway 51 north of Puxico. Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area is another good location. It is in Mississippi County, south of Highway 80 along Highway 102.

In Illinois you might consider Union County Refuge, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge or Horseshoe Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Few people have had the chance or taken the time to watch and listen to this wonder of nature. This is the "Spring Waterfowl Season." A season young and old alike can learn about and enjoy.

~Dave Wissehr is a wildlife management bioligist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.