Waterfowl Wonders at Market Lake Dawn Visit

A Morning of Avian Encounters at Market Lake

On a Wednesday morning, I decided to take a detour to the dried-up Market Lake Wildlife Management Area. The planned trip to Yellowstone Park had been canceled due to high winds, so I opted for a quieter adventure. As I entered from the north side of the lake, I found just enough water to support a few waterfowl and a group of male yellow-headed blackbirds and red-winged blackbirds. These birds were fiercely defending their territory, each claiming about 2 square yards. When a female would fly by, it was like a chase scene unfolding in real time.

While observing the blackbirds, two notable events occurred. First, I looked up into the tall trees and spotted a pair of baby great-horned owlets watching me. Then, amid the noise of the blackbirds, I heard the call of a sora. I knew immediately that this would be a good morning, as long as the wind held off for a few more hours.

Knowing the owlets wouldn’t move much, I positioned myself near the slough where the sora had called. After waiting for about half an hour, the bird finally appeared and I managed to take a couple of pictures. To my surprise, when I opened and slammed my truck door, the sora showed itself again. Soras are related to Virginia rails, which are usually more visible in marshes.

After walking down the North Windbreak to capture images of the owlets, I headed south. About 200 yards later, I flushed out a short-eared owl that was hidden on the side of the road. I watched as it chased a female northern harrier gathering materials to build her nest.

Later, the owl was harassed by a female red-winged blackbird defending her nest. However, the owl eventually captured a rodent and delivered it to its mate, who was nesting in a patch of tall marsh grass. I hope to see them after the young hatch.

There were also several species of ducks, including cinnamon teal, northern shovelers, greater scaup, ruddy, redhead, and mallards. One hen mallard had seven ducklings with her, while a pair of Canada geese had eight goslings. Along the canal, there were shorebirds such as spotted sandpipers, willets, and killdeer.

Just before the wind picked up, I was nearing the end of my trip along the four dried-up ponds when I saw my second short-eared owl. As I watched it, a large white bird landed near me in the canal. It was a great egret, one of my favorite birds. I observed the egret as it moved along the canal, catching its meal. It then flew off as a vehicle approached, displaying the grace of a royal bird.

The vehicle sped past me, heading toward the North Windbreak, only to return about half an hour later while I waited to see if the short-eared owl would appear again. It stopped, and the occupant said, “Not much happening, is there? Sure, wish they would fill up the ponds.” As the vehicle sped away, I thought of one of my favorite hymns, “Slow Down” by Sissel. I smiled, thinking about the three hours I had spent traveling just 2 miles along the dried-up ponds and marsh of Market Lake.

I will return to enjoy this place again when the wind stops. Have a wonderful week!