Tomahawk Leader Newspaper

Top Menu

  • eBooks
    • Tomahawk Leader
    • Tomahawk Leader Extra
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Message Board
    • Forum
    • Log In

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Nature
  • News
    • Government
    • Sports
  • Covid 19
  • Obituaries
  • Opinion
  • School
  • Tomahawk Fishing Report
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
  • eBooks
    • Tomahawk Leader
    • Tomahawk Leader Extra
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Message Board
    • Forum
    • Log In

logo

Tomahawk Leader Newspaper

  • Home
  • Nature
  • News
    • Government
    • Sports
  • Covid 19
  • Obituaries
  • Opinion
  • School
  • Tomahawk Fishing Report
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
Nature
Home›Nature›Spring waterfowl survey results show overall population increase

Spring waterfowl survey results show overall population increase

By Jalen Maki
July 16, 2021
562
0
Share:

Courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday, July 15 announced an increase in the waterfowl population across most of the state, despite dry winter and spring weather.

The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. Surveys showed an increase in the number of total birds compared to 2019 estimates with increases in wood duck, blue-winged teal and Canada goose numbers. However, there has been a slight dip in mallard numbers.

Wisconsin experienced a relatively mild and dry winter followed by below-average precipitation in April and May. As a result, wetland conditions are drier throughout the state. Some areas of the state experienced considerable rainfall in May and June, while other areas experienced drier conditions following the survey.

“These varying conditions across Wisconsin mean we will be at average- to below-average wetland conditions for the year during the important brood-rearing period,” said Taylor Finger, DNR Migratory Gamebird Biologist.

The DNR estimates the state’s breeding duck population for 2021 to be 522,546 birds, a 7% increase compared to the 2020 estimate and 19% above the long-term (47-year) average. Species-specific population estimates indicate Wisconsin’s top three breeding ducks varied. Mallards showed a slight decline, while blue-winged teal and wood ducks showed increases in their breeding populations.

“Each species’ population estimate varies from year to year, so I urge hunters and other conservationists to compare 2021 results to long-term averages at the state and continental levels,” Finger said.

The Wisconsin breeding estimate for Canada geese is slightly up compared to 2019. The 2021 model estimates 181,430 birds, a result consistent with a stable to increasing population over the past 10 to 15 years.

In most years, the DNR’s survey results complement surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ontario Canada Goose Survey. These additional surveys were suspended this year due to COVID-19.

In August, Wisconsin will join 13 states and three Canadian provinces at the Mississippi Flyway Council to find the best fit models based on state-level survey data since continental estimates have not been available due to COVID-19. The council will provide recommendations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding waterfowl hunting regulations for 2022 seasons.

To view the full report for Wisconsin’s 2021 waterfowl surveys, visit www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/waterfowlmanagement.html.

TagsDNRSpring Waterfowl SurveyWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Previous Article

Evers vetoes Felzkowski-authored Second Amendment sanctuary bill

Next Article

Natural Connections: Sparkling Droplets of Baby Food ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • DNR Logo Stock
    Covid 19Nature

    DNR Outdoor Report: Signs of warmer times

    March 23, 2020
    By jbuelow
  • Covid 19NatureTomahawk Fishing Report

    Tomahawk Fishing Report: Bait shops still open as open water season begins

    April 6, 2020
    By jbuelow
  • News

    Remnants of Tropical Storm Cristobal could bring heavy rain to Wisconsin

    June 9, 2020
    By Jalen Maki
  • DNR Logo Stock
    NatureNews

    Hunting advocacy group sues DNR after Oneida County hunter safety course cancellation

    June 19, 2020
    By Jalen Maki
  • NatureNews

    Enjoy and aid monarch butterflies this summer

    June 19, 2020
    By Jalen Maki
  • NatureNews

    Got swifts? Survey seeks to identify chimneys providing bird habitat

    June 30, 2020
    By Jalen Maki

  • Released Stock
    FeatureNews

    Convicted sex offender David J. Malsch residing in Merrill as of July 13

  • Highway 86
    FeatureNews

    Highway 86 road closure set to begin today (Tuesday)

  • Police Lights Stock
    FeatureGovernmentNews

    Town of Tomahawk Supervisor cited for disorderly conduct after threat during meeting

TOMAHAWK WEATHER

© 1998- Tomahawk Leader, Inc., Tomahawk WI
315 W Wisconsin Ave – P.O. Box 408
Waupaca, WI, 54981 – Phone: (715) 453-2151

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×