Dry spring weather has hit prairie duck populations hard.
This year’s Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, which covered most of the prairie pothole region as well as boreal and eastern areas, estimated that total duck numbers had fallen nine percent to 37.3 million from 41.2 million last year.
However, the survey noted that the new figure was still 11 percent higher than the 1995-2007 long-term average.
Canvasbacks and northern pintails were down 44 and 22 percent respectively. Blue-winged teal and redhead numbers remained unchanged, and the ubiquitous mallard dropped seven percent.
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With 39 percent of spring wetlands in prairie pothole country dry after a meager spring snowmelt, good duck nesting sites were fewer, which resulted in decreased duckling survival.
Mike Anderson, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s director of science and adaptation, said the big question is whether the lost habitat is a case of seasonal wetlands drying up temporarily or permanent loss due to drainage and agricultural expansion.
Wet and dry cycles are normal and help maintain the long-term productivity of prairie wetlands, he added.
“There will always be annual variability in weather that no human can control. The key is to have the land in such condition that when the water returns, the wetlands refill, ducks settle and nest, and the eggs have a good chance of hatching.”
Rick Andrews, head of wetland restoration and habitat retention for Ducks Unlimited in Manitoba, said high grain prices may have tempted landowners to drain marshes to expand productive acres on their farms, but no firm statistics are available.
Andrews said the livestock industry, which like duck habitat, is grass and water-based, is not doing well.
“I think we’re seeing a shift out there. Certainly, mixed farmers who are not making the dollar that they used to on cattle may convert their pastures,” he said.
“If they’ve got wetlands in the way, then it happens.”
