Posted on 07/05/2012 9:53:11 PM PDT by nickcarraway
They may not have the gravitas of bald eagles or the mysterious allure of condors, but North America's ducks -- a classic harbinger every year of the changing seasons -- have done something remarkable.
Scientists say the number of mallards, teals, canvasbacks and other ducks this year has reached the highest level ever recorded, with a total estimate of 48.6 million breeding ducks in Canada and the United States.
The number is 7 percent higher than last year, according to a survey released this week from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and 43 percent higher than the historic average going back to 1955.
The trend is good news for hunters, bird watchers and biologists, experts say, but also for people who live near areas like San Francisco Bay, which is a key stop for migrating ducks every fall along the Pacific Flyway.
"I'm excited. It's encouraging," said Walt Rhodes, a flyway biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who flew thousands of miles in small planes surveying the birds this spring.
"It let's you know that maybe we're doing something right," he said. "Overall it seems like things are headed in the right direction. A wetland without waterfowl is just not right."
More than a dozen duck species fly south every year for the winter, some traveling thousands of miles from Alaska, the Yukon Territory, the Dakotas and other Northern areas to warmer wintering grounds across the United States and into Mexico.
There the birds fatten up and head north again every April to breed, lay eggs and raise a new generation for the annual migration. But when they return north, the birds need wetlands and wild grassy areas to stay free from predators and raise their young.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
I blame this on my current hunting party. We were exceptionally bad shots last year. :)
This is great news for waterfowlers this year.
If you’re ever in Quebec, stop by Lake Brome. Duck Haven, and it’s all over the local menus.
They Are Coming. We Cannot Get Out.
They have been visiting daily since they were tiny, and have become quite accustomed to eating from my hand. Mom (the one on right in top pic) keeps watch while her brood gorges. These greedy little critters come up to three times a day... and love their cracked corn.
We also have lots of Canadian geese, but they are just sh*t factories around our golf course! The geese can't fly right now and the ponds are fenced. The ducks "duck" under the gate and come eat. The geese just stand inside looking greener all the time ;>)
I have other "friends" visiting regularly, too! He's fasting on Cheerios...
I have no idea why I find the title of this post hilarious, but I do.
Global warming means more plants and insects, and that means more food for ducks.
Ducks are horrible at obeying traffic laws.
The other day, I was stopped at an intersection waiting for the light to turn green. But when it did, I couldn’t go because a duck and several ducklings promptly stepped out into the street. Silly ducks, don’t they know they’re supposed to cross towards the green light, not the red?
Well I’m no threat to the local duck population, I don’t eat flying liver.
Well I’m no threat to the local duck population, I don’t eat flying liver.
If it walks like 48.6 million ducks, and quacks like 48.6 million ducks, it’s probably 48.6 million ducks.
Flying liver???
Must have had someone who thinks chicken and duck are the same thing. Try it medium or medium well. Richer than beef and very delicious.
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