Remember the following points, particularly for the Cobb 
Lake Creek - Pendleton - Riceville Area. 
1. The best viewing conditions are in the early morning before 
the heat waves make visibility poor. Also, overcast days 
are better for lighting conditions. It is a definite asset 
to have a scope with you when you are observing in these 
areas. 
2. Some roads are flooded during the peak runoff and others be¬ 
come very muddy and soft. Be particularly cautious of these 
conditions in the Cobb Lake Creek - Pendleton - Riceville 
Area. The main roads are paved at Bear Brook, but in both 
areas, stop or park only where you will not obstruct traffic. 
3. The best time is usually late March to mid-April, depending 
on runoff. Remember that the water peaks for only a few days 
and then drops off quickly. If you hear that conditions are 
good, don't wait until the following weekend because by then 
the areas could be bone dry. Keep in touch by telephoning 
the Bird Status Number (225-4333). 
Figure 3. This view gives you some idea of the concentrations 
of waterfowl that can congregate in the flooded fields near 
Riceville. Photograph from a slide taken by the author on April 
8, 1985. n 
92 
