Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey, Southern Manitoba and Saskatchewan River Delta, May 2004

摘要

The 2004 survey began with an area reconnaissance on May 6 and 7. Conditions for the survey appeared near normal in reference to dabbler distribution. The ground crew was not able to begin until the 10th, therefore the aerial crew began on May 9. Waterfowl population estimates for strata 25, and 36 - 40 were 5.9% lower than 2003, 7.2% lower than the 10 year mean, and 16.1% lower than the Long Term Mean (LTM) of 1955 to 2003. Dabblers were 17.2% lower, 13.8% lower, and 23.6% lower than 2003, the 10 year mean, and the LTM, respectively. Diving ducks, on the other hand were 27.7% higher, 12.8% higher and 5.7% higher than the 2003, 10 year mean, and LTM, respectively. The dabbler species of mallard, wigeon and blue-winged teal, seemed to be most impacted from the 14 inches of snow which fell in mid-May. Overall pond numbers (strata 36 - 40) were estimated 10.1% higher than 2003, but still 14.6% lower than the 10 year mean and 20% lower than the LTM.