Migration Alert: Decent Habitat Conditions Leads to Strong Local Duck Production in the North Atlantic

Fall has arrived in the northeastern United States, and while weather conditions will dictate the pace of the migration, habitat conditions in the region appear to be much improved compared to last year.

“Summer weather in the northeast was warm, and we had moderate rainfall, which helped maximize brood production. We are seeing a lot of local birds right now,” says Sarah Fleming, managing director of conservation programs in DU’s North Atlantic region. Fleming has been with DU since 2010 and helped deliver conservation projects that have restored and protected more than 20,000 acres of critical wetland habitat throughout the northeast.

Despite extended periods of hot, dry weather, the National Weather Service reports that seasonal rainfall totals were within an inch or two of historical norms throughout much of the region. Areas around the Great Lakes were actually up an inch or two of rainfall from the average. This may result in more ducks and geese along the Atlantic Flyway this season, as water is one of the most important elements for brood survival. Mild temperatures can also aid in waterfowl production and keep some birds around for opening day. 

“That rain tapered off later in the summer, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Fleming says. “We currently have dry conditions in some places, but areas with managed water levels or emergent marshes (like beaver flows) are in great shape.” Lowered water levels can be a boon for wild rice and moist-soil vegetation that provides food for waterfowl.

Anecdotal reports from hunters with whom I’ve spoken have indicated there are plenty of local ducks in inland Maine, on Cape Cod, and out in western and upstate New York. On my person scouting trips on Long Island’s salt marsh complexes, I have seen impressive numbers of green-winged teal—perhaps more than I’ve seen in many years. Black ducks abound too.

“We have seen a big push of early migrants into the northeast, which, coupled with good local production, should provide plenty of action during the first few weeks of the season,” Fleming says. “This week’s weather hints at cooler temperatures in the north, so we may continue to see more migrants moving in.”

If history is any guide, the region should get a good flight of new ducks on the October full moon, which should take place on October 17. Fleming cautions that sustained periods of cold weather in eastern Canada will be required to bring the “big push” of mallards, black ducks, and other waterfowl into the northeast.

“Long-term weather forecasts indicate that we will have a relatively warm fall this year,” Fleming explains. She notes that it was 80 degrees in North Dakota last week, which stands in contrast to the early cold fronts the northern plains saw last year.

All is not lost, though. “Cooler temperatures and snow are expected later in the fall and winter, so hunters should see good bird numbers later in the season,” Fleming notes.