Waterfowl population on increase, despite dryness
There an increase in the waterfowl population across most of the state, despite a dry winter and spring weather, as shown by the DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys. The surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions.
The number of 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.
“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 percent increase, compared to the 2020 estimate, and 19 percent above the long-term (47year) 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.
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 10-15 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, because of COVID-19.
However, 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.
The council will provide recommendations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, regarding waterfowl hunting regulations for the 2022 seasons.
