Waterfowl Population Status, 2012

• Main Authors: Fleming, Kathy, Garrettson, Pamela R., Rhodes, Walt, Zimpfer, Nathan
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2012
• Subjects: Canada; Northern Shoveler; Shoveler
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usfwspubs/409; https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/context/usfwspubs/article/1408/viewcontent/StatusReport2012_final.pdf

In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1‒18, 20‒50, and 75‒77, the total duck population estimate was 48.6 ± 0.8 [SE] million birds. This estimate represents a 7% increase over last year's estimate of 45.6 ± 0.8 million birds and was 43% above the long-term average (1955‒2011). Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 10.6 ± 0.3 million birds, which was 15% above the 2011 estimate of 9.2 ± 0.3 million birds and 40% above the longterm average. Estimated abundance of gadwall (A. strepera; 3.6 ± 0.2 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 96% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.1 ± 0.1 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 17% below the long-term average. The estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca) was 3.5 ± 0.2 million, which was 20% above the 2011 estimate and 74% above their long-term average. The estimate of bluewinged teal abundance (A. discors) was 9.2 ± 0.4 million, which was similar to the 2011 estimate and 94% above their long-term average. The estimate for northern pintails (A. acuta; 3.5 ± 0.2 million) was 22% below the 2011 estimate, and 14% below the long-term average. The northern shoveler estimate (A. clypeata) was 5.0 ± 0.3 million, which was similar to the 2011 estimate and 111% above the long-term average. Redhead abundance (Aythya americana; 1.3 ± 0.1 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 89% above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate (A. valisineria; 0.8 ± 0.07 million) was similar to the 2011 estimate and 33% above the long-term average. Estimated abundance of scaup (A. affinis and A. marila combined; 5.2 ± 0.3 million) was 21% above the 2011 estimate and similar to the long-term average. Habitat conditions during the 2012 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey were characterized by average to below average moisture, a mild winter, and an early spring across the southern portion of the traditional and eastern survey areas. Northern habitats of the survey areas ...