Game & Fish Release Midwinter Waterfowl Survey

BISMARCK, N.D. (G&F) – The North Dakota Activity and Fish Department’s annual midwinter waterfowl survey in early January indicated about 81,000 Canada geese in the point out.

Andy Dinges, Division migratory recreation chook biologist, explained that range most likely would have been larger, but snow and bitterly cold weather conditions in late December without doubt pushed some birds south just prior to the survey.

“The amount of waterfowl recorded dropped considerably from very last year’s survey, but that was a reasonably moderate winter with minimal snow accumulation,” Dinges mentioned.

In addition, Lake Sakakawea didn’t formally freeze about until finally Jan. 24 past year, which was the latest day on file.

“Despite modern temperature we are nevertheless wintering a great quantity of waterfowl this calendar year and conditions continue to be honest for wintering birds, unless of course we get too a lot snow accumulation,” Dinges claimed.

During the survey, an estimated 55,000 Canada geese ended up noticed on the Missouri River, and a further 21,100 on Nelson Lake in Oliver County. Dinges mentioned just after summarizing the figures, an added 7,000 mallards were being tallied statewide, most of which ended up recorded on Nelson Lake. Lake Sakakawea officially froze over just a number of days prior to the study this 12 months.

The 10-12 months regular (2012-21) for the midwinter study in North Dakota is 123,100 Canada geese and 24,700 mallards.

All states take part in the midwinter study throughout the exact time body, to lessen the likelihood of counting birds extra than once.