The blue winged teal migration continues to progress in the standard, “here today, gone tomorrow” fashion. Blue-winged teal numbers increased dramatically in the far south over the past week from the gulf coast eastward to Louisiana, but the numbers are fluctuating as these early birds continue migrating to tropical climates.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
A quick analysis of the current NOAA Departure from Temperature map (link below) unravels the current mysteries of the blue-winged teal migration in the Central and Mississippi Flyways. August temperatures throughout the central portion of the U.S. were below average and resulted in an earlier blue-winged teal migration.
In contrast to the cooler temperatures and early migration in the Mississippi and Central Flyways, temperatures in the Atlantic and Pacific Flyways were above average with the blue-winged teal migration running slightly behind schedule.
Resident Canada goose hunters continue to report mixed success across the north. Ongoing agricultural harvest delays and warmer temperatures have limited flights and feeding areas in many states. The best hunting has been found on resting and roosting ponds and as expected, roost pond success is short-lived, as the educated geese relocate quickly after the first shots are fired.
As early teal and goose seasons begin to close in northern states this week, the countdown to opening day of the general waterfowl season will begin for many hunters. Widgeon, Gadwall and Pintail are making their first appearances in the northern portions of Central and Mississippi Flyways and numbers are expected to climb gradually over the next few weeks.
With the El Nino conditions expected through the month of December and normal precipitation, the overall migration progress is expected to proceed at a slower pace. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center is stating that drought conditions in Texas are expected to improve during the next few months and water should arrive well before the peak of the migration. In contrast, drought conditions are expected to continue in the Pacific Flyway well into the season and the prospects for a number of public draw areas throughout California are poor at this time.
Waterfowler.com readers are encourage to submit their hunting reports and migration mapping data as often as possible this season so we may provide accurate reporting throughout the fall migration.
Until next week, finalize those plans for a youth waterfowl hunt in your area today.
