Fall migration

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Waterfowl flock to wetlands

Witness the magic of migration at one of the migration viewing hot spots in New Brunswick!

Fredericton, N.B., October 10, 2006—This fall Canadians may witness one of the best migration spectacles in years, as flocks of waterfowl converge on wetlands to rest and fuel up for their southward journeys.

Across Canada, waterfowl populations are up over last year due to better water conditions in primary breeding areas - areas where Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and its conservation partners are working to improve habitat for waterfowl and increase viewing opportunities for people.

According to a Spring Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service, there were an estimated 36 million breeding ducks in traditional surveyed areas this spring – 14 per cent greater than last year’s estimate and 9 per cent above the long-term average.

Dr. Henry Murkin, national conservation director for DUC, says “when the ecological integrity of prime waterfowl habitat like wetlands and upland cover is maintained, birds can respond when water returns to these landscapes. This year is an excellent example of what our collective conservation, restoration and management efforts can accomplish – and waterfowl, other wildlife and people reap the rewards.”

Following are some DUC-recommended hot spots for migration viewing this fall in New Brunswick. These are located within a one to two hour drive from New Brunswick’s larger urban centres. These areas are among the more than 530 wetland habitat conservation projects DUC has completed in the province:

  • Upper Bay of Fundy:
    NS/NB border Sackville Waterfowl Park Fort Beausejour Marsh A traditional waterfowl staging area and migration stop for black ducks, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, wood ducks and ring necked ducks among other species. The birds feed on the wild rice stands.

  • Mount Ararat Wildlife Management Area, Gagetown Island:
    DUC has a long history in this area with two projects that are major migration stops for waterfowl.

  • Tabusintac River/Lagoon:
    A coastal area used by waterfowl for centuries.

  • Baie Verte:
    A major fall staging area for Canada Geese and black ducks. Large flocks of blue-winged teal might be seen staging on the DUC wetland right in the village of Baie Verte.

  • Shepody Bay:
    DUC manages large freshwater marshes in this area that support migrating and staging waterfowl. Germantown Marsh, Calhoun Marsh, New Horton Marsh and the many acres of salt marsh close by are the best places to view the ducks.

  • Red Head Marsh:
    This former freshwater DUC impoundment located in East Saint John was returned to tidal influence in 2005. It is an excellent spot to see large numbers of greenwing teal, black duck, shorebirds and Canada geese. The trail is still under construction but parking is available.

  • Black Duck Marsh:
    The marsh is located southeast of Fredericton, about one km north of the toll-free ferry dock to Gagetown. The trail follows a system of dikes around the marsh, and provides wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities. All the usual suspects can be seen here: black duck, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, American widgeon, mallard and wood duck in particular.  

Visit DUC’s Migration Station for quick migration facts.

For more information:

Kelly MacDonald
Atlantic Communications Coordinator
(902) 667-8726 ext 226
k_macdonald@ducks.ca

Deanne Meadus
(902) 667-8726 ext 231
d_meadus@ducks.ca

 
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