Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey for Southern Saskatchewan, 2008

摘要

The 2008 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey of Southern Saskatchewan was conducted 8-28 May and was consistent in design to previous surveys. Wetland and upland habitat conditions were drier across southern Saskatchewan during the 2008 survey. The 2008 May pond estimate was lower than the 2007 estimate (-46.4%), 10-year mean (-16.7%), and long-term mean (-19.6%). The 2008 total duck population estimate was lower than the 2007 estimate (-18.9%), but remained higher than the 10-year mean (+12.0%) and longterm mean (+19.7%). Percent changes for selected species compared to 2007, the 10-year mean, and the long-term mean were: mallard: -11.5%, -2.4%, -7.8%; blue-winged teal: -2.6%, +40.2%, +84.1%; northern pintail: -56.0%, -40.1%, -65.0%; canvasback: -48.7%, -21.8%, -11.1%; and scaup (greater and lesser): -15.1%, -9.8%, -38.0%. Poor waterfowl recruitment, with isolated areas of fair recruitment, is expected from the grasslands. Fair to good recruitment is forecast for the northeast Parklands. Good to excellent recruitment is expected from the northwest Parklands because of good to excellent wetland and upland habitat conditions across that area.