Canadians Needed for "Scaup Watch" Project

Winnipeg MB, April 26 - Waterfowl biologists with a U.S.-based research project are urging Canadians to report sightings of specially marked scaup during this year's spring migration to better understand why this duck species has suffered serious population declines in recent decades.

Earlier this spring on a portion of Iowa's Mississippi River, a research team led by Alan Afton from Louisiana State University and other co-operating agencies trapped, banded and colour-marked lesser scaup (or bluebills as they are known by many), with non-toxic spray paint.

"We want to learn the migration corridors and wetland habitats used by scaup as well as assess their body condition during their flight north," says Afton. "To do so, individual scaup were marked with one of four colours coded to their capture date and body condition. But, we need the help of our friends in Canada to call in their sighting information if they happen to spot one of these birds."

Male scaup have dark blue to black heads and chest, bluish-grey bills, gold eyes, white sides, and a colouration of white with black flecking on their backs. When seen on the water, their white sides are noticeable. These ducks breed primarily in the boreal forest and their continental breeding season populations have declined by about 40 per cent, reaching historic lows while populations of other common North American waterfowl species have stabilized or increased. In response, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and other organizations have stepped up their efforts to learn as much as they can about all aspects of the species' life cycle.

"Knowing where in their range to begin looking is a key step in this process," says Mike Anderson, director of DUC's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR). "Ultimately, this work will lead us toward a better understanding of these declining waterfowl populations and ideas about what humans might do to help reverse these trends."

Biologists estimate scaup arrivals in Canada in late April or early May. Anyone seeing these colour-marked scaup in Canada are asked to report via toll-free phone ( 1-866-439-4820), the Internet (www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/) or e-mail (Scaup_Project@LSU.EDU). Upon confirmation of details, colour-marked scaup spotters will be sent a complimentary pen-ink scaup art print for their efforts. To see what scaup look like, visit our images for download page accompanying this release.

For more than 65 years, Ducks Unlimited Canada (www.ducks.ca) has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats benefit other wildife and people.

For more information:

Lauralou Cicierski, l_cicierski@ducks.ca
National Media and Public Relations Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (204) 467-3252

Al Afton, LSU adjunct professor, cell: (225) 571-9840

Stuart Slattery, DUC research scientist,cell: (204) 771-4610

Pat Kehoe, DUC Prairie Region conservation programs manager, office:
Tel: (780) 489-2002
Cell: (780) 720-4452