Snow Goose Maelstrom!

[Jim Dockery]

I took my mom and a couple of other older friends up to see the birds in the Skagit Valley yesterday. It was cloudy and cool with no birds at the first two spots. Driving north we spotted a large flock of snow geese and stopped to watch them for a while and were treated to a few takeoffs when they moved to better feeding ground. Satisfied, we were on our way home when we saw another much bigger flock in the air settling right next to the road we were on. We pulled over into the no parking zone (along with many other cars) to watch and wait for another flight and were treated to an awesome display when thousands of birds flew directly over us then swirled back and forth as they picked a new spot to eat.

Skagit-Birds-3.18.18-(194)

• Jim Dockery
• Mar 20, 2018

Snow Geese

I don't know how they don't crash into each other!

Skagit-Birds-3.18.18-(180)

• Jim Dockery
• Mar 20, 2018

Snow Geese

Skagit-Birds-3.18.18-(279)

• Jim Dockery
• Mar 20, 2018

Snow Geese

 

[AlanLichty]

That first one is absolute chaos - it's a wonder there aren't mid air collisions in that scene. The second image makes more sense to my eyes as I can see which direction the birds are flying.

 

[Darcy Grizzle]

that first one would make a never to be finished puzzle hahahah. Wow what a sight!

 

[Jeffrey]

Great set of photos, Jim. I like #3 best.

 

[BarryHamilton]

Nice work here, Jim!
Air Traffic Control is needed for the 1st!
The 2nd I find most appealing with the light and bg sky and scenery.

 

[Ben Egbert]

Great set, I am always amazed at how many birds can fly in any small space.

 

[Mike Mancil]

Excellent series. #1 would be a good entry for the weekly contest.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Jim, that first one is totally awesome! I am not much for shooting birds, but that's a shot I would love to have.

 

[Jim Sanderson]

The first is super. Very nice.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Great job, Jim. All are excellent images.