Snow Geese Migration Peaks with Flu Warning
At Middle Creek Wildlife Area, the annual migration of snow geese is underway, attracting birdwatchers from across the region. However, visitors are urged to follow an avian flu advisory as large concentrations of geese can facilitate virus spread — observers should avoid contact with wild birds.
The annual migration stopover at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a relatively recent phenomenon. The area was established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the 1970s to provide a habitat for waterfowl. Snow geese began arriving in significant numbers in the mid-1990s, with populations at the site peaking at an estimated 200,000 birds in 2018. This year's first official count on February 24, 2026, tallied around 60,000 snow geese, a significant arrival that was about three weeks later than last year's peak. Numbers have fluctuated since, which is typical, with 35,000 counted by midday on February 27, 2026. The timing of the peak migration is heavily dependent on weather conditions, such as ice cover and snow-free fields for feeding. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) circulating is a serious concern for the state's poultry industry. So far this year, the virus has led to the deaths of over 7.6 million birds in Pennsylvania, with most losses concentrated in Lancaster County. Governor Josh Shapiro has stated the commonwealth is in "crisis mode" and is at the "epicenter" of the outbreak. While no large-scale mortality events have been observed at Middle Creek this season, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has issued a strong advisory. Visitors are urged to remain in their vehicles while observing wildlife to prevent the spread of the virus. This contrasts with 2025, when concerns over avian flu led to the temporary closure of some areas within the wildlife management area. Statewide, the avian flu has been affecting wild bird populations. In December and January, an estimated 2,000 wild bird carcasses, mostly snow geese, were removed from a quarry in Northampton County. The public is urged to report any sick or dead wild birds to the Game Commission to aid in surveillance and management. The current strain of avian flu has had a devastating impact on both domestic and wild birds and has even been detected in mammals. While the risk to the general public is considered low, officials are taking precautions to minimize any potential transmission.
