Field Reports: Migration and Wintering Habitat Outlook
An overview of wetland conditions in key areas for waterfowl across North America
January 02, 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. 2024; DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO. ACCESSED ON DECEMBER 2, 2024; HTTP://CLIMATEENGINE.ORG; NOAA NATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTALINFORMATION AND AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA.
1. WESTERN CANADA
In the interior, fall precipitation was near average and temperatures were above average, delaying freeze-up until late November. The south coast of British Columbia received heavy rain this fall, creating extensive habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Large flocks of snow and cackling geese have taken advantage of ample food resources in agricultural fields.
2. WESTERN BOREAL FOREST
Dry weather prevailed across much of the Boreal region this fall, with parts of the north experiencing moderate to extreme drought, and the departure of migrating waterfowl was delayed by unusually mild weather. November brought below-freezing temperatures and some snow, but significant additional precipitation will be needed to refill wetlands next spring.
3. PRAIRIE CANADA
The Canadian prairies remained dry until mid-November, when snowstorms provided some much-needed moisture, depositing twice the average monthly precipitation in some areas. Most smaller wetlands were dry or frozen by early November, while larger basins retained open water until later in the month. By late November most waterfowl had headed south except for scattered flocks of Canada geese and mallards holding out on pockets of remaining open water.
4. CENTRAL CANADA
Following a warm, dry fall, parts of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions have been experiencing dry conditions. The moisture deficit has impacted water levels in smaller wetlands, but larger marshes and lakes remain at normal levels. The waterfowl migration was delayed by above-average temperatures, and species such as green-winged teal remained in the area much later than normal, before cold weather in late November finally pushed many migrants south.
5. ATLANTIC CANADA
Fall across Atlantic Canada was relatively warm with average to below-average precipitation. Wetlands began freezing in late November, but larger water bodies and coastal areas remain open and are providing good habitat for migrating waterfowl. Many Canada geese remain in the region, and black ducks and mallards continue to occupy tidal rivers and salt marshes in good numbers.
6. NORTH-CENTRAL US
Temperatures across the northern plains remained mild until mid-November, when significantly cooler weather and variable amounts of snowfall hit the region. By late November, plunging temperatures had frozen small wetlands and pushed waterfowl toward river systems and points south. Unfortunately, wetland conditions deteriorated this fall, and significant winter snowfall and spring precipitation will be needed to recharge potholes for next breeding season.
7. GREAT LAKES/NORTHEASTERN US
October and November temperatures were well above average across the Great Lakes and northeastern United States. The mild weather delayed the migration for many waterfowl species until late November, when seasonally cold weather and snowfall finally arrived. Abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions continue to plague parts ofboth regions. Ample precipitation will be necessary to improve spring habitat conditions for migrating and breeding waterfowl in these areas.
8. SOUTHERN US
The Texas coast remained dry throughout much of the fall, but recent isolated rains and high tides have improved coastal marsh conditions. The Louisiana coast received rainfall throughout the spring and summer, which resulted in excellent production of submerged aquatic vegetation in many wetlands. November temperatures were above normal, and early waterfowl numbers and harvests were well below average along the Gulf Coast. In the Mississippi Alluvial Valley and South Atlantic regions, timely rainfall has improved conditions, especially in managed habitats, and increasing numbers of waterfowl have arrived on recent cold fronts.
9. WESTERN US
Dry conditions prevailed across much of the eastern Pacific Flyway, and mild temperatures delayed the arrival of migrating waterfowl.Much of the western Pacific Flyway experienced a very dry October, which concentrated waterfowl in areas with water. However, a series of atmospheric rivers in mid-November rapidly changed landscape conditions as heavy rain and snowfall provided an abundance of new habitat.
