The experimental Eastern Flyway migratory flock has wintering areas and staging grounds scattered from Illinois to Florida, shifting year to year depending on conditions. But there are some strongholds. One is Goose Pond Wildlife Management Area in southern Indiana—the largest wetland restoration in the country, with an interesting history.

Located in the heart of the corn belt, Goose Pond sits within an agricultural landscape. Originally a vast and remarkable wetland complex, it was twice converted to farmland—both attempts ultimately failed. Now, it has been restored once again to wetland.

I didn’t spend much time there, but I was able to capture one of the largest flocks of whoopers the refuge has hosted in years.