Springtime Waterfowl

[PorkChop]

I really do my best to try not to jump the gun with preseason excitement but currently I am pretty excited for the upcoming season. Lots of ducks around for this time of year. More than I can remember in several years. I’ve never seen so many bachelor drakes for both pintails and mallards. Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing. Also seeing a big variety of species. Even saw some Bufflehead today which at this point of the year they seem to be way behind. Also, a lot of these little potholes it’s been very common to see mallards, pintails, Gadwall, redheads, canvasbacks, shovelers and BWT all grouped up. (Mainly drakes) once again not sure if that’s good or bad. Have not spotted much for GWT. Yesterday I believe I spotted four different courtship flights. So not sure if those ones are behind the power curve or if they are doing some second attempts.

I noticed the first flock of molt migrators around Memorial Day. Then the first few days of June they were coming through really good. Still seeing some every day. I would say those numbers appear to be up as well. I have not spotted any ducklings yet but the farm Vincenzia works said there is a group on one of their pasture ponds. That seems really early for ducklings, but I trust the source.

As you know, I’m not a biologist and I only see a very small portion of the PPR. I’ve also seen these beautiful conditions in the past all the way into the end of August just to dry up those first three weeks of September before the season starts. But right now, I am very optimistic for my season!

[Rick]

Until proven otherwise, I choose to see that as good news for all of us.

[Darren]

Until proven otherwise, I choose to see that as good news for all of us.

+1

Thanks as always for the boots-on-the-ground perspective.