Most birds fly south in winter. That’s a simple fact many of us are taught at a young age.

But, you see, “south” is a relative term. For many species of waterfowl, Wisconsin is about as south as their migratory journey reaches. After all, each winter odyssey has a different starting point and migration is a two-way street. While many of our familiar species leave the Midwest during colder months, new, less familiar ones also arrive.

If you want an example of this, all you have to do is grab your binoculars and head to the largest section of open water you can find during the winter months. I’m willing to bet you will be amazed by the sights that are likely to greet you.