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.
2026 Migration Updates
February 27, 2026:
The morning numbers appeared to have dipped over the past few days, with only 2,500 snow geese out on the water at daybreak. However, the by mid-day numbers rose to over 35,000. Fluctuation in flock size is not abnormal, and numbers can rise or fall in no time at all. Whether the geese have found other areas to roost for the night or have continued north is up for speculation, but monitoring the PA Snow Geese Live Webcam is a great way to keep up to date on the current size of the flock.
Warmer weather and increased waterfowl activity seem to be increasing the pocket of open water located directly out from Willow Point, which will allow for more roosting opportunities for visiting waterfowl. Tundra swan numbers increased slightly from last count, with 600 individuals taking their place among the birds enjoying the open water and providing excellent viewing opportunities for visitors.
Canada geese remain lower than would be expected on the main lake, with only 50 braving the crowds of snow geese. However, flocks of several hundred can be seen lounging in the agricultural fields in and around the Wildlife Management Area. Other waterfowl to keep an eye out for are sizeable flocks of American wigeon and ring-necked ducks. Additionally, Common Mergansers, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards, and American Black Ducks can be seen scattered among the geese.Make sure to listen for the American woodcock, who continues to ‘peent’ just southeast of Willow Point!
• Snow Geese: 2,500
• Tundra Swans: 600
• Canada Geese: 50
February 24, 2026:
Here’s our first migration count of the season and it’s a big one! This year’s winter weather has kept the snow geese and tundra swans mostly to our south up until this past weekend. The arrival of the snow geese is about 3 weeks past their arrival last year as well as their peak date last year of February 18. The snow geese arrived in notable numbers in the low thousands over the weekend and ballooned to 60,000 this morning.
With warmer daytime temperatures in the forecast, we’ll be watching to see whether the birds linger for a bit or continue pushing north with just a short stopover at Middle Creek. Snow geese aren’t the only species that has jumped up significantly in numbers in the last few days. Tundra swans went from around 30 or so for the last several weeks to 550 at this morning’s count.
Canada geese were notably lower on the main lake this morning but are finding small pockets of open water around the rest of the WMA while the snow geese utilize a significant portion of the open area of the main lake. Other species of note include ring-necked duck, common merganser, and American wigeon. Several woodcock “peents” were heard during the count - a sure sign that spring is on the way.
- Snow Geese: 60,000
- Tundra Swans: 550
- Canada Geese: 50
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.