Duck #'s down nationally

[Lee Borgersen]

 Duck numbers down nationally

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An annual survey estimates this year’s breeding duck population at 38.90 million, a 6% decrease from last year’s population of 41.19 million but still 10% above the long-term average.

 
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As reported Tuesday in the News Tribune, North America’s duck population declined this year compared to last year although most species remain above long-term averages, according to the annual U.S.-Canada waterfowl survey results released Monday.
The annual survey, conducted jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service since 1955, estimates this year’s breeding duck population at 38.90 million, a 6% decrease from last year’s population of 41.19 million but still 10% above the long-term average.

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The 2019 survey marks the first time since 2008 that the estimated breeding duck population has fallen below 40 million. The aerial surveys are conducted in the spring, before new ducks hatch, and reflect mostly 2018 habitat conditions, officials said.

“The fact that the numbers are down is a reflection of last year’s dry conditions for nesting ducks,” said Dr. Frank Rohwer, president of Delta Waterfowl. 

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There is some good news. Mallards increased 2% to 9.42 million, 19% above the long-term average. Green-winged teal rose 4% to 3.18 million, 47% above the long-term average. American wigeon climbed slightly to 2.83 million, 8% above the long-term average. Gadwalls climbed 13% to 3.26 million, putting them 61% above the long-term average.

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Other dabbling ducks decreased, but remain above long-term averages. Shovelers declined 13% to 3.65 million, 39% above the long-term average. The largest decrease was observed among blue-winged teal, down 16% to 5.43 million, but still 6% above the long-term average.

Pintails continue to be a problem species, down 4% to 2.27 million, 42% below the long-term average.

All three diving duck species surveyed showed declines in 2019. Redheads fell 27% to 730,000, putting them right at the long-term average. Canvasbacks dropped 5% to 650,000, but remain 10% above the long-term average. And scaup declined 10% to 3.59 million, 28% below the long-term average.

Tom Mooroman, Ducks Unlimited chief scientist, said hunters could still see good numbers of birds this season, with hunting success often dependent on weather conditions that spur the fall migration.