Fall migration

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Waterfowl flock to wetlands

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

Edmonton, Alta., October 5, 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 Alberta. These are located within a one to two-hour drive from Alberta’s larger urban centres. These areas are among the over 1,800 wetland habitat conservation projects DUC has completed in the province:

  • Brooks:
    Kinbrook Marsh (on Lake Newell south of Brooks)
    Kitsim Reservoir  (adjacent to Hwy 36 south of Brooks)

  • Calgary:
    Frank Lake (east of High River)
    Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

  • Camrose:
    Lyseng Reservoir (8 miles NW of Camrose)
    Dried Meat Lake (south of Camrose)

  • Edmonton:
    Big Lake (west edge of St. Albert)
    Manawan Lake (NW of Morinville)
    Whitford Lake (SE of Andrew)

  • Grande Prairie:
    Wembley (Sunset) Lake
    Kakut Lake
    Stark-Patterson
    McLennan
    Kimiwan Lake Birdwalk

  • Peace River:
    Thomas (Dick Wald Memorial) Project

  • Red Deer:
    Cygnet Lake (SE of Sylvan Lake) 

Visit DUC’s Migration Station for quick migration facts.

For more information:

Sherry Feser
Marketing and Communications Specialist
(780) 930-1240
s_feser@ducks.ca

 
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