Water plus good habitat equals more ducks

Preliminary report sees duck numbers spike 14 per cent from last year

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., July 13, 2007—The waterfowl equation that Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) adheres to has been time tested and continues to be proven true. Good habitat plus water equals more ducks.

This year was no exception according to the results of the 2007 U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and Canadian Wildlife Services’ (CWS) Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey.

“We are pleased to see a 14 per cent increase in duck numbers from last year’s survey,” said Henry Murkin, DUC’s director of conservation programs. “There were slightly improved habitat conditions from last year and with the precipitation that the survey areas have received this year and in recent years, the ducks responded.”

The 2007 report estimated 41.2 million birds in the areas surveyed. This figure is 24 per cent above the survey’s 1955-2006 long term average. Murkin said that the increase of duck numbers and improved habitat conditions are proof that Ducks Unlimited Canada continues to work in the right directions. Especially, in the face of ongoing wetland drainage and degradation across Canada.

“We have targeted the top waterfowl producing areas as being the best use of our investments,” he said. “However, we are also working closely with the federal and provincial governments to provide the science and guidance toward their policies for sustainability on Canada’s agricultural and forest lands that will provide land managers more reasons to keep wetlands on the landscape.”

The report was full of good news for several of the ten species of waterfowl surveyed. Northern shovelers, redheads, and canvasbacks were the highest ever estimated in the survey area while the abundance of green-winged teal was the second highest estimate for the region. Mallards, American wigeon, gadwall and blue-winged teal all showed increases in breeding populations.

“With good precipitation this spring in many areas of Canada, brood-rearing habitat is excellent,” Murkin said. “Therefore, overall production should be above average.”

On the other side of the coin, two species that are drawing concern from waterfowl managers appear to be at least holding the fort.

“Scaup increased slightly, which reversed a 20 year decline, and northern pintails dropped a few percentage points,” said Murkin, pointing out the good habitat conditions could benefit both species. “However, both species still remain below their long-term averages. DUC will continue to be part of research efforts that will help us continue to learn more about these species and the conservation programs that will best benefit them.”

For more information, contact:

Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3306
Toll-free: 1-800-665-3825
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca