Using Conservation Planning to Create the Perfect Home for Ducks

• Published in: Frontiers for Young Minds
• Main Authors: Mertz, Keiko, Karasov-Olson, Aviv, Feldheim, Cliff, Eadie, John
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Frontiers Media SA 2022
• Subjects: Arctic; Pacific
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.625080; https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2022.625080/full

Did you know that many birds use the San Francisco Estuary like a hotel, to rest during their long migrations? The Estuary is a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway—a huge path for migrating birds that runs from South America to the Arctic Circle! Tons of waterfowl (ducks, geese, and shorebirds) make this journey every year. On this long, harsh journey, birds need to find food and safe places to rest. In the U.S., many groups work together to manage habitat to help these birds have a successful journey. Surprisingly, each species of bird has different needs, so managers must make plans for the whole landscape to take care of them all! In this article, we will explore the concept of conservation planning for waterfowl using the San Francisco Estuary, with special focus on the unique needs of mallards, canvasbacks, and surf scoters.