Fall migration

Related links

Learn about migration viewing hot spots in your area:

 

Waterfowl flock to wetlands

Witness the magic of migration at one of the migration viewing hot spots in Newfoundland and Labrador!

St. John's, N.L., 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 Newfoundland and Labrador. These areas are among the nearly 70 wetland habitat conservation projects DUC has completed in the province:

  • St. John's:
    Lundrigan's Marsh – A 24 acre wetland where you can see black ducks and mallards.

  • Corner Brook:
    Cooks Marsh – A 25 acre wetland where you can see black ducks and ring-necked ducks.

  • Grand Falls:
    Corduroy Marsh – A 35 acre wetland where you can walk the trails and observe black ducks from the observation decks.

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

 
BACK TO TOPBack to Top