2023 Waterfowl Breeding Report

A challenging year for Greenheads

The 2023 waterfowl breeding data was released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in August 2023. The data showed a 7% decline in the total population of breeding ducks from 2022, to 32.3 million birds. This is the lowest total population since 2017.

The decline was driven by a number of factors, including drought conditions in the prairie pothole region, which is a major breeding area for ducks. The drought caused many wetlands to dry up, leaving ducks with fewer places to nest and raise their young.

Other factors that contributed to the decline include climate change, which is causing more extreme weather events, and habitat loss due to development.

The 2023 waterfowl breeding data is a reminder of the challenges facing waterfowl populations. However, there are also some positive signs. For example, the number of mallards, the most common duck species in North America, increased by 13% from 2022. This is a hopeful sign, as mallards are a keystone species that play an important role in the ecosystem.

The FWS is working to address the challenges facing waterfowl populations. The agency is implementing a number of conservation measures, including restoring wetlands, improving water quality, and reducing habitat loss.

Waterfowl hunters also play an important role in waterfowl conservation. Hunters contribute millions of dollars to conservation each year through excise taxes on hunting gear and ammunition. These funds are used to support wetland restoration, habitat improvement, and research on waterfowl populations.

The 2023 waterfowl breeding data is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity to come together and work to conserve these amazing birds. By taking action to protect wetlands and other waterfowl habitat, we can help ensure a future for waterfowl populations.

In addition to the overall decline in duck numbers, the 2023 breeding data also showed some other trends:

• The number of pintails, a declining species, increased by 12%. This is a positive sign, as pintails are an important food source for many other species of wildlife.

• The number of canvasbacks, another declining species, remained stable. This is also a positive sign, as canvasbacks are a popular game bird.

• The number of redheads, a species that is not as common as mallards or pintails, increased by 24%. This is a good sign for this rare species.

The 2023 waterfowl breeding data is a mixed bag. There are some positive signs, but there are also some challenges. It is important to continue to work to conserve waterfowl populations so that these birds can thrive for generations to come.

Here are some things that you can do to help conserve waterfowl:

• Donate to a waterfowl conservation organization.

• Become a waterfowl hunter and support conservation through your hunting license and permit fees.

• Protect wetlands in your area.

• Reduce your water use to help prevent droughts.

• Educate others about the importance of waterfowl conservation.

By taking action, we can help ensure a future for waterfowl populations!