2020 Spring Wetland Conditions Look Good For Waterfowl
1. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Spring has been warm, with average rainfall across much of the province. Wetlands remain at good levels, providing favorable conditions for breeding waterfowl.
2. ALBERTA
Following an early runoff, wetlands on the prairies receded rapidly with the onset of warm, dry weather. In the parklands, cooler temperatures and above-average runoff provided favorable conditions for breeding waterfowl. Recent rainfall has helped maintain water levels in many areas.
3. SASKATCHEWAN
In the south, waterfowl habitats continue to suffer from below-average precipitation. Wetland conditions improve to the north in the parklands, where spring runoff helped maintain water levels. Observations of lone drakes indicated nesting was well under way by mid-May.
4. MANITOBA
Mallards and northern pintails began arriving in late March, and most waterfowl species were present in the province by late April. Seasonal wetland basins are starting to dry out in the southwest, but larger wetlands are still holding water from last year’s wet fall.
5. ONTARIO
Despite cool spring weather, waterfowl breeding efforts appeared to be on schedule in the south with the first mallard broods observed in early May. Recent rainfall should maintain good wetland conditions through the breeding period.
6. QUEBEC
A gradual runoff produced little spring flooding in this province, providing favorable habitat conditions for breeding waterfowl. Observations by field staff indicate nesting was under way in early May.
7. ATLANTIC CANADA
Water levels are relatively high and are expected to remain at good levels through the breeding season. Conditions were favorable for early nesters this spring, and broods of American black ducks, mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese were observed in May.
8. NORTH-CENTRAL US
Following last year’s exceptionally wet fall, wetland conditions were promising across the US Prairie Pothole Region this spring, especially in eastern South Dakota and southeast North Dakota, which had above-average snowpack this winter. Following several weeks with little or no precipitation, however, western portions of the region are beginning to dry out and rainfall is needed to maintain wetland conditions in many areas.
9. GREAT LAKES AND NORTHEASTERN US
Persistent and timely precipitation has kept moisture deficits at bay across much of the northeast and Great Lakes, providing ample nesting and renesting opportunities and good brood-rearing habitat for waterfowl.
10. WESTERN US
Drought has returned to much of the western United States, adversely affecting waterfowl habitats in many areas. In Alaska, wetland conditions are good to excellent for breeding waterfowl.
Check out our Cupped Wings Blog Page for the latest update on the most recent 2020 Waterfowl Production Outlook.
