Mixed bag for Canada waterfowl habitat

Here’s a report on winter waterfowl habitat conditions in Canada courtesy of Ducks Unlimited.

Signs of spring are present in the British Columbia/Western Boreal Region. Canada geese are paired and establishing territories along the British Columbia coast, while some melting is occurring in the territories.

In the Prairie Region, winter precipitation has been generally lower than normal. Dry conditions have persisted in Alberta, where spring conditions will likely be poor.

Prospects improve in central and southeast portions of Saskatchewan, and a few Canada geese have been spotted along the Saskatchewan River. February snowfall has improved the snowpack in southwest Manitoba, where conditions remain favourable.

Spring prospects also look promising throughout the Eastern Region. Wetlands in southern Ontario are in good shape thanks to some intense rainfall events.

More precipitation is expected in Quebec, which should improve spring habitat conditions. In Atlantic Canada, shallow wetlands will begin to thaw soon and warmer weather has opened rivers up to provide habitat for seaducks.