Winter Waterfowl Survey Recently Conducted

LEWISTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Army Corps of Engineers recently surveyed wintering waterfowl populations in the Lewiston-Clarkston valley. Overall, mallards were less abundant than last year, and a significant decrease in the area's Canada goose population was observed. Observers also saw a decrease in diving ducks numbers. Weather conditions were favorable for determining species and counting numbers. The mild weather and early green-up of forage resulted in birds scattered throughout the area. Compared to the 5-year average, dabbling duck species, such as mallard, wigeon and wood ducks were down 60 percent, with 2,700 birds counted. Goldeneye, bufflehead and ring-necked duck, referred to as diving ducks, were down 25 percent, with 1,800 being counted. A total of 925 Canada geese were observed, a 60 percent decrease over the five-year average. Lower waterfowl numbers were expected due to low spring duck production and nesting success in Canada due to drought conditions. Another factor affecting local duck numbers is the mild winter conditions along the Pacific flyway have caused fewer ducks to migrate south from Canada. The annual winter survey is conducted to determine distribution and relative abundance of wintering waterfowl in North America. The information collected is combined with numerous counts within the Pacific flyway, harvest reports from hunters and nesting surveys to determine future hunting season frameworks.