The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its
preliminary report today on breeding ducks and habitats, based
on surveys conducted in May and early June. Total populations
were estimated at 48.6 million breeding ducks in the surveyed
area. This estimate represents a 7 percent increase over last
year's estimate of 45.6 million birds, and is 43 percent above
the 1955-2010 long-term average. This year's estimate is a
record high and is only the sixth time in the survey's history
that the total duck population exceeded 40 million. "Early
indications were that the mild and dry conditions experienced
across North America this past fall and winter would negatively
impact spring pond conditions and allow increases in grassland
conversion rates, ultimately impacting nesting efforts this
season," said Ducks Unlimited Chief Scientist Dale Humburg.
"Strong returning duck populations and late spring precipitation
have brightened prospects for 2012 duck production. If nesting
and brood-rearing conditions are favorab