The results of the spring surveys are in and the USFWS has released the Trends in Duck Breeding Populations for 2010. Habitat conditions across the survey areas were similar to 2009, with pond counts 34% above the long-term average. Bird counts totaled 40.9 million birds, down slightly from the 42 million birds counted in 2009, but remain 21% above the long-term average.
Hello folks, and, as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
The effects of an early spring and low moisture conditions across the survey areas resulted in a sight drop in the overall duck population compared to 2009. Mallard populations dropped from 8.5 million to 8.4 million and remain 21% above the long-term average. Gadwall numbers remain 67% above the long-term average and green-winged teal 87%. Blue-winged teal numbers dropped 14% compared to 2009 but remain 36% above the long-term average. Redheads held their own again this year at 63% above the long-term average and shovelers at 76%.
Habitat conditions did very little to help species that have been struggling the past few seasons. Pintail numbers are holding steady compared to 2009 but remain 13% below the long-term average. Scaup populations remain 16% below the long-term average and Canvasback numbers are unchanged from 2009 at 0.6 million birds ~ just barely qualifying for the base 500,000 population that allows for hunting.
While the Breeding survey unravels a number of population mysteries, the team at FLYWAYS.US has done a great job of unraveling some interesting tidbits of waterfowl breeding. Did you know that the ruddy duck can have a penis that is half the length of its entire body? Or, that forced copulation is more common in some duck species compared to others? For these and many more breeding tidbits, visit FLYWAYS.US today at the supportive link below.
In summary, hunters can expect numbers very similar to 2009. While the total population may impact overall harvest, hunter success by state is a result of seasonal weather patterns, local habitat conditions and the path of migration. With duck numbers holding steady, the potential for a great season remains a hope in the hearts of duck hunters across the nation. With any luck, Mother Nature will be on your side and deliver the ducks to your location on northerly winds.
With the early teal and goose seasons only 2-months away, the publication of the Breeding Survey (link to the detailed report below) announces the countdown to waterfowl season. As the Flyway Councils review the data and make their season recommendations, hunters can expect season lengths and bag limits to be similar to the 2009 framework.
Until the time the recommendations are made and states publish their proposed season’s, WFC will continue to monitor news on the BP oil spill in the Gulf and relay news on the recovery and clean up efforts. When you consider the negative impact the spill could have on wintering waterfowl and the breeding numbers next spring, it is extremely important for waterfowl hunters to demand that clean up and restoration of the coastal marshes remain a top priority in the process.
Until our next report, make your voices heard in the nation’s capitol and demand that habitat clean up continue to be a top priority.
