Ducks make an early pit-stop at Rapid City Outdoor Campus West - KOTA Territory News

Ducks make an early pit-stop at Rapid City Outdoor Campus West

Spring is not yet here; however, the sight of some feathered creatures suggests the season is changing.

Many ducks are already heading north and could be seen on a pit-stop at Rapid City's Outdoor Campus West.

Keith Wintersteen, naturalist with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department, said the mild winter made this staging area a pleasant stay for the ducks because of the lack of ice and a surplus of food.

"The colors are the most brilliant that they'll be all year long," Wintersteen said. "So if you want to be able to pick out the different species, the hens to the drakes, this is the time of year to do it."

Most of the birds will continue their migration to breed and feed their young. Some will start the journey as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and end up in Northern Canada.

For those who plan on seeing the birds before they take off again, Wintersteen recommends doing it soon.

Most of the ducks have already picked their mates and will want to head north as soon as possible to give their youngsters a warm welcome into the world.