Waterfowl Numbers Defy Expectations

Contrary to predictions of a large increase in Idaho’s fall waterfowl, a January survey showed that fewer birds showed up this season than did the last two years.

Only 248,152 waterfowl returned this year, compared to 299,100 last year and 284,590 in 1995.

Surveys conducted last spring and summer at waterfowl nesting grounds in Canada and the northern United States, which have experienced back-to-back years of good moisture and nesting conditions, had indicated one of the largest duck flights in history.

Survey members suggested a number of reasons for the drop in birds, including Idaho’s unusual weather this year that left lakes unfrozen and created numerous temporary wetlands.

, DataTimes