Five Island Lake is both a permanent home and a migratory water source for waterfowl. Throughout the year, a diverse duck population can be seen flying over the lake, feeding in the lake or leisurely paddling in the lake. Some of the duck species claiming the lake include Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Canvas Back, Mallard and Canada Goose.
In recent years it is becoming more common to also see Wood Ducks. Alabama was home to this species for years but the breeding range has expanded to the Great Plains area. They like to nest in trees near water and can produce two broods in a year.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, wetland drainage and unregulated hunting caused Canada Geese to disappear in Iowa by 1900. In 1964, the Iowa Conservation Commission (now part of the IDNR) initiated a program to restore self-sustaining populations of Canada geese. The project started at the Ingham Lake Wildlife Management Area. Today geese have their favorite lake spots to come ashore, nest and feed. These birds can be seen on the golf course and along the shoreline up and down Five Island Lake.
The ducks and geese add to the diverse wildlife population in this area. This is good for hunting and wildlife enthusiasts.
Five Island Lake is fortunate to have a Ducks Unlimited chapter in this area. This national non-profit organization’s mission states that it “conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.” The majority of the membership are hunters. Local chapters have fundraisers and complete projects related to the overall mission (January 15 is the local chapter’s banquet).
What do Ducks Unlimited, Five Island Lake and the duck and geese populations have in common? It is wetlands. Wetlands are important for waterfowl nesting and their food supply. Ducks and geese consume aquatic vegetation and its seeds. According to the Audubon Society, “Without ducks doing their nighttime feedings, plant seeds from one area wouldn’t be able reach the next area, leaving wetlands isolated and vulnerable to extinction. Birds help to maintain patches of healthy plant communities that benefit wetlands.”
Wetlands are usually part of a lake’s watershed. These natural structures protect water quality by removing polluting nutrients and sediments from surface and groundwater. Birds passing seeds after feeding on aquatic wetlands plants help to maintain plants needed for this process.
Sometimes it is said that it takes a village to raise a child. For the health of a lake, it takes non-profits, hunters, wetlands, duck species and geese.
Previous question’s answer: Five Island Lake covers 973 acres according to the IDNR
Question: What is the maximum depth of Five Island Lake?
Written by Diane Weiland
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