duck numbers down

[Silencer]

Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, 1955-2008

The FWS has released their report on the Duck Breeding Populations. It's not great news, but it could be worse considering the number of May Ponds dropped 37% in 2008. May Ponds numbers in 2007 were at 7 million while 2008 numbers were at 4.4 million across Prairie & Parkland Canada, and the North Central US.

Duck breeding population estimates for the 10 most abundant species below are compared to 2007 estimates. Many of the species have dropped in numbers with Canvasbacks taking the hardest hit.

Mallard (-7%), Gadwall (-19%), Wigeon (-11%), GW Teal (+3%), BW Teal (-1%), Shoveler (-23%), Pintail (-22%), Redhead (+5%), Canvasbacks (-44%) & Scaup (+8%).

Full report :  http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/reports/status08/Trend%20Report%202008.pdf


Here's another article from Delta : http://www.deltawaterfowl.org/pr/2008/080708_BPOP.php

Been talk all over of liberal seasons and limits ...

[pitw]

Don't know if it means anything or not but as I spray over 60,000 acres this year I saw more duck nest's this year than any other since 99.

[Silencer]

Thats good to hear, at least we'll have some    

From the looks of the graphs in the reports it will effect the central flyway the most.  Things north of the atlantic flyway look good.