Field Reports: Early-Spring Habitat Outlook
An overview of recent landscape conditions in key areas for waterfowl
March 07, 2025 •
3
min read
By DU Field Biologists
Ducks Unlimited
DATA SHOWS PALMER DROUGHT INDICES WITH CATEGORIES CONSOLIDATED AND COLORED TO MATCH CURRENT CONDITIONS. CLIMATE ENGINE. 2025; DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO. ACCESSED ON JANUARY 3, 2025; HTTP://CLIMATEENGINE.ORG; NOAA NATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA.
1. WESTERN CANADA
Winter weather has been warm and dry in British Columbia, with snowfall ranging from 50 percent of average in the northeast to near average in the interior. Significant snowmelt has already occurred in lower elevations, and more precipitation will be needed to replenish wetlands this spring.
2. WESTERN BOREAL FOREST
The Boreal region has experienced highly variable temperatures and snowfall this winter. Drier-than-average conditions persist in the areas around Whitehorse and Yellowknife and parts of northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Average or above-average snowfall in the rest of the region has created a stable snowpack and maintained a solid frost seal in the soil, setting the stage for good spring wetland conditions.
DU Canada
Cold temperatures have helped maintain the snowpack across eastern portions of the Canadian prairies.
3. PRAIRIE CANADA
Following a dry fall, December rainfall increased soil moisture in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Winter precipitation ranges from nearly twice the average in southeast Alberta to 50 percent of average in southwest Manitoba. In the east, below-average temperatures have helped maintain the snowpack, while in the west warmer temperatures have resulted in significant snowmelt, reducing runoff potential. Additional precipitation will be needed to recharge wetlands in these areas this spring.
4. CENTRAL CANADA
Across southern Ontario and Quebec, a series of freeze-thaw cycles in early winter stalled waterfowl migrations before a January deep freeze finally forced remaining waterfowl to fly south. Precipitation and soil-moisture levels are near average throughout most of these provinces, and typical spring wetland conditions are expected.
5. ATLANTIC CANADA
As of late January, many tidal rivers and bays were frozen, but a lack of snow cover in grain fields has allowed small concentrations of Canada geese and hardy ducks to remain in the region. Typical late-winter precipitation will help ensure favorable wetland conditions for breeding waterfowl this spring.
Ben Romans, DU
More precipitation is needed in the Dakotas, where many areas have little or no snow cover.
6. NORTH-CENTRAL US
Winter has been cool and dry across the northern plains, and the majority of the region is lacking significant snow cover. Areas with snow have experienced variable temperatures, leading to thawing and refreezing, which has reduced access to food supplies for resident wildlife. More precipitation will be needed to improve spring wetland conditions across much of the region.
7. GREAT LAKES/NORTHEASTERN US
Through January, winter precipitation has been sparse across the Great Lakes and northeastern states. Broad areas continue to experience abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions and low soil-moisture levels. Without timely precipitation, below-average wetland conditions will persist in many areas.
Michael Peters
Although wetland conditions in the West have generally been sufficient to support wintering waterfowl, below-average precipitation in the region could impact migration and breeding habitats this spring.
8. SOUTHERN US
Along the Texas Gulf Coast, waterfowl habitats continue to suffer the effects of drought, while in south Louisiana wetlands are in generally good condition. Across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, much-needed rainfall in December and January improved habitat conditions for wintering waterfowl and expanded hunting opportunities. Dry conditions persist in the South Atlantic region, where managed wetlands have provided crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds.
9. WESTERN US
Late winter has been warmer and drier than average across much of the West, but wetland conditions have been sufficient to support waterfowl on core wintering areas. However, mountain snow levels are below average in many areas, and additional precipitation will be needed to ensure favorable habitat for migrating and breeding waterfowl this spring.
