Too much and/or not enough, that is the rain story for much of the breeding ground as the May Pond Counts begin to wrap up. While some areas are still worrying about drought, other key waterfowl breeding areas are faced with the opposite dilemma, floods.
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And now, on to the Breeding Ground Report.
Predicting the outcome of this year’s nesting efforts will prove difficult. Drought early on in the breeding season delayed nest initiation for ducks in some areas. Other areas were hit with a late spring snowstorm that most likely disrupted nesting. Still other areas were troubled by heavy rains, hail and floods.
Trying to accurately predict how the wide range of conditions will play out is tough. May pond counts were delayed in some areas due to weather and some flights will not be completed until early June.
On the bright side, rainfall has eased drought conditions on a significant portion of the US breeding grounds in time for re-nesting efforts.
In short, keep your fingers crossed—the final outcome of this year’s nesting efforts is still too far off to predict.
The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer vacation. Long car trips, lawn care and cookouts are in the works for the weekend ahead. But let us not forget the reason for the holiday. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives defending our great nation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of our fallen heroes, and all who continue to serve our nation.
