At the half-way point in October, waterfowlers across the country are waiting and wondering. The big question on everyone’s mind, were the snow storms of the first half of this month an indication of an early winter?
Hello folks, and as always, welcome to Waterfowler.com.
Just as the snow began to melt in the upper Plaines, a winter weather system drove through the central Rockies. Now, with flooding rains falling in the north east, it looks as though Mother Nature is keeping things interesting.
As the march of opening days roll southward initial reports from the northern states indicate an early start to this year’s migration.
Waterfowler.com would like to again remind all our readers to visit the Jack Miner Bird Banding Sanctuary website, www.jackminer.com and make a contribution to help keep this key part of our waterfowl hunting and research history alive. The Jack Miner Bird Banding Sanctuary operates today, just as it did when it was founded, under “Wild Goose Jack’s” vision that there be “one place on earth where no money changes hands”. By visiting their website and making a contribution you can help insure that this key part of our waterfowl heritage remains. Please visit them today www.jackminer.com.
And now, on to the Migration Report.
CANADA
The snow covered map tells most of the story. Though some areas received a good coating of snow last week, the warming trend that came shortly thereafter melted the accumulations quickly.
The snow storm shifted birds south somewhat in areas of accumulation, but overall the winter storm did not drive birds out of any areas as a whole. With the general migration continuing at a regular pace, waterfowl hunting in central and southern portions of most provinces should continue to be good. Grain fields remain the most productive areas for dark geese and ducks while some light goose hunters are reporting better hunting on smaller wetland adjacent to or abutting agricultural areas.
A slight dip in temperature for the western portion of the country should push a few more birds down into lower British Columbia and southwestern Alberta, but temperatures will rebound quickly as the front passes.
PACIFIC FLYWAY
Despite average, to slightly above average temperatures for much of the flyway, the migration of white fronted geese and smaller puddle ducks appears to be getting a good start. Specks are being reported moving all along the western portions of the flyway, with the beginnings of huntable numbers starting to stack up in southern Oregon and select areas of California.
Interior portions of the flyway have also reported a nice influx of geese, though Canada’s are the main bird rather than white fronts. Duck numbers are reasonable in northern parts of the eastern section of the flyway with a small influx of larger puddle ducks moving into the Snake River region last week.
Southern interior areas report teal, pintail and wigeon moving into the area, though no major push of birds has some across the “radar” thus far.
CENTRAL FLYWAY
Reports from the farthest northern states are widely mixed. As the snow melted across the region it appeared, at first, that many birds had been driven south. After a few days though, it appears that the birds did not leave, only that they shifted their patterns rather dramatically. Heavy, wet snow recharged many small ponds and in some areas left standing water in field. Both ducks and geese have been keen to take advantage of these new opportunities.
Some southward migration does appear to have occurred, with South Dakota, Nebraska and other mid-tier states reporting a respectable increase in smaller puddle ducks such as teal, wigeon and gadwall.
Weather this week does not appear to have any major bird moving fronts, but the steady migration of calendar bird, such as divers, should keep pace as the week rolls by.
MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
Early reports out of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and parts of Minnesota indicate an early wrap up to the diver migration. Across the northern tier of the flyway hunters are reporting harvest of what are generally late season divers, such as, blue bills and canvasbacks. Early divers, such as ringnecks, are also in good supply across the region.
On the eastern side of the upper flyway geese are the biggest story. Michigan, Indiana and Ohio waterfowlers have been filing steady reports of a strong migration of dark geese into the region around the Great Lakes and along the Ohio River valley.
The western portion of the upper tier is in a bit of an early season slump. Though some portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin have been having barrel burning shoots, the overall picture is of a slow down in the action as the weather moderates to warmer weather.
ATLANTIC FLYWAY
Heavy rains and flooding in the upper flyway call for extreme caution for hunters in that region. Swollen rivers and streams combined with cold or even cool weather are a serious hazard.
The good news is that the first reports of significant mallard migrations into the upper flyway have begun to come in. Field feeding mallards are being reported widely in New York along with a good increase in dark goose migration.
Further south along the flyway reports of local mallards and black ducks are fair to good, with the first waves of teal and ring neck being reported as far south as southern Virginia.
As more rain move into the upper flyway, standing water in harvested field is likely to hold the majority of the mallard migration until the water recedes or severe cold moves down out of Canada.
Sea duck reports from the upper Atlantic Coast are spotty, but improving.
As the weekend rolls around we will pass the half way point in the month of October. Everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting to see if the indications of a strong, early arrival of colder weather will play out. It is a tough balance we as waterfowlers seek; cold, but not too cold, a little snow, but not a blizzard, and just enough wind to keep the birds up and moving. Hopes and dreams for cupped wings and waves of migrating birds fill the days and dreams of the waterfowl world.
