Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey for South Dakota and North Dakota, 2004

摘要

The 2004 Waterfowl Breeding Ground and Habitat Survey for Eastern South and North Dakota was conducted 6 - 23 May using standard aerial coverage. East river personnel changes occurred this year in both the air and ground crew. Habitat conditions in the crew area were variable and ranged from poor to good. Upland nesting cover was generally adequate but over water nesting sites, particularly in South Dakota, are severely depressed due to diminished water conditions. Temporary and seasonal wetlands in South Dakota were dry and remaining semi-permanent and permanent basins were in recessional stages. General wetland conditions were comparatively better in North Dakota. Since 2003, wetland counts were 36% lower in South Dakota and -14% in North Dakota. The estimated waterfowl breeding population in South Dakota (1.672 million) was 23% lower than the long-term average and the lowest since 1992. In North Dakota, the waterfowl breeding population (4.450 million) was 53% higher than the longterm mean and increased modestly (15%) since last year.