BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Fewer ducks and geese are around North Dakota this winter than in the past few years, in part because of harsher conditions.
An annual midwinter waterfowl survey early this month indicated about 71,500 birds were in the state, down from 159,000 last year and a record 279,000 in 2012, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
“Conditions leading up to this year’s survey were colder than normal, resulting in fewer birds in the state compared to the past couple winters,” migratory game bird biologist Mike Szymanski said. “Most waterfowl were pushed from North Dakota just prior to Thanksgiving, with the exception of those using the Missouri River System.”
Cold temperatures and strong winds in early December pushed most of the Missouri River birds from the state, he said. Conditions have remained the same through most of January, essentially causing all waters in the state to freeze by the time of the survey, with the exception of a few places with fast moving or warm water.
The waterfowl survey is conducted across the country. States use the data to manage their bird populations and hunting regulations.
About 52,700 Canada geese and 18,700 mallards were tallied in North Dakota this year - a surprisingly large number given the conditions, Szymanski said.
“Snow cover was probably borderline for allowing birds to feed without too much trouble,” he said. “If more snow had fallen in December, this year’s count would have been even lower.”
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