Snow Geese

Thousands of snow geese paused Tuesday, Feb.12, in a marshy area near Highway 20. Once a threatened species, the geese have rebounded to the point their large numbers threaten their own habitats in some areas. (John Campbell/Blackburn)

Snow geese dip and hover over wet fields near Blackburn Tuesday, Feb. 12. (John Campbell/Blackburn)

Snow geese, in their distinctive flight formation, near Blackburn Tuesday, Feb. 12. (John Campbell/Blackburn)

Snow geese often fly in a U-shaped formation, easily seen in this photograph. In late winter, they return to their Arctic home, and Missouri is directly in their flight path from southern marshes. (John Campbell/Blackburn)

Thousands of snow geese pass through Missouri on their way to their Arctic home. Spring isn't far away when snow geese begin their northern migration. (John Campbell/Blackburn)

Snow geese fly in huge numbers, often at an altitude where it's difficult to see them. When they decide to take a break from their long flight back to their Arctic home from southern marshlands, though, their huge numbers and white feathers can make it look like a blizzard appoaching. (John Campbell/Blackburn)