FLOCKS!  Snow geese have made their way north, and while much of South Dakota found itself under a blanket of snow, open terrain in the Peace Garden State which was spared the brunt of last week’s storm, is inviting to these migrants. We talk about their movements and more in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo: Flocks of geese stream in over the mostly-snowless Missouri River Valley near Bismarck on Sunday, with this bird’s eye view from an inbound airplane. Simonson Photo.

DAILY CONDITIONS: WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Mon 4/16 – Winds gradually increase. Hi 43, Lo 19, Wind SE@17, G25

Tomorrow: Tue 4/17 – Precip builds late. Hi 45, Lo 30, Wind SE @20, G30
SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 6:54AM Sunset: 8:33PM
Moonrise: 7:40AM Moonset 9:23PM
Overhead: 2:25PMPM Underfoot: 2:00AM
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (1% Full)
EDGE HOUR:  8:30-9:30PM.  Melting ice, a later setting sun and a powerful new moon on the set will make this Edge Hour awesome!

DAY RATING:


THREE THINGS

WHITE GEESE. Snow geese are on the move through North Dakota, and Ducks Unlimited is tracking them with field and member reports.  With gradually warming temperatures over the next several days, expect things to hasten and more and more birds to continue moving across the region.

WHITE NOISE.  Some of the best reflections of a fishing era are the gimmicks used on anglers.  One such classic (which is still available for sale today) is the fish call.  Designed with “scientific” sounds of baitfish feeding, fleeing or doing other things, these electronic calls are touted to bring predators in on noise alone.  Let us know what you think.

WHITE FISH?  Conservation efforts continue along the Missouri River, with programs at Gavin’s Point National Fish Hatchery designed to save the fish which have declined in the last century due to habitat changes and other environmental factors.  Check out this great segment on recent work by the multi-agency conservation front to preserve the pallid sturgeon.

Stay Sharp!