2023 Waterfowl Population Survey Results Released
Keith Lusher 08.30.23
The 2023 Waterfowl Population Status Report has been released and the results from surveys conducted in May and June aren’t good. The surveys conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Service and other partners show total populations of an estimated 32.3 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area. That number is a 7% drop from 2022’s estimate of 34.7 million and 9% below the long-term average since the survey has been started in 1955. Scientists with Ducks Unlimited were hoping for better numbers from the eastern prairies following above-normal snow and rain totals in the spring of 2022.
DU Chief Scientist Dr. Steve Adair said the overall numbers reflect a complex relationship between waterfowl, weather, and habitat availability.“Last year’s nesting season was delayed with April snowstorms and May rains which likely impacted overall production. In the past, we have seen population growth lag moisture conditions as small, shallow wetlands recover from the lingering impacts of severe drought.”
Worries about the highly pathogenic avian flu that affects birds and other waterfowl were downplayed by DU scientists who cited reports from waterfowl managers and wildlife disease experts of partnering agencies said they don’t expect a significant impact on duck populations from the HPAI outbreak of 2022.
The most noticeable population decline was that of mallards and American wigeons. Mallards were down 18% from 2022 and 23% from their long-term average. American wigeon were down 14% from 2022 and 28% from their long-term average. These declines are a concern for DU scientists amplifying their call for conservation, monitoring, and targeted science in the future.
While the numbers were down for most breeds of ducks were down, there were some bright spots. Population estimates increased 24% for pintails over the record low from last year. And while some numbers were down, the population of most species remain healthy and near the long-term averages, which should produce a respectable flight for waterfowl hunters to enjoy this fall and winter.
There will be more surveys in the future that will paint a more complete picture of how well duck populations are recovering from the severe drought of 2020 –2021.
