year in the ancient Mississippi Flyway, there is one waterfowl flight that is

greater than all others. However, spectacular waterfowl flights have happened

only rarely in the twentieth century. Noted Illinois naturalist and author Frank Bellrose dubbed these breathtaking flights as a “Grand Passage,”

where millions of ducks migrate all at once. This great movement usually occurs

during the first week of November, but it may be earlier or later.

most notable Grand Passage occurred in 1940, certainly in terms of death. The

“Armistice Day Storm” or “The Winds of Hell” began November 11, bringing one of

the deadliest blizzards the Midwest has ever seen. Hurricane winds brought 80

mph winds to the Midwest, a record barometric pressure of 28.66 inches in Duluth,

and 26 inches of snow in parts of Minnesota, with temperatures plunging from

the 70’s to single digits. The storm claimed 154 lives.

practically no warning the raging blizzard was on its way and what started out

as a “blue bird day” quickly turned into the winds of hell. Being a holiday,

waterfowlers, many dressed in short-sleeved shirts, ventured out for a day of hunting

and relaxation during the second week of the season. They were not disappointed

as thousands of ducks poured into the Mississippi River backwaters. With ducks

winging ahead of its mighty wrath, shotguns echoed everywhere telling of their

successes or failures.