Survey shows record waterfowl

BISMARCK (AP) — A mild, dry fall and an unseasonably warm winter have resulted in a record number of ducks and geese wintering in North Dakota.

The state Game and Fish Department estimated 279,000 birds during its annual midwinter waterfowl survey conducted in January. The previous record was 237,000 birds in 2008, said Mike Szymanski, a migratory game bird biologist with the agency. This year’s count includes a record 190,000 geese and a record 88,000 mallard ducks.

“This year’s survey was highly abnormal, and numbers of waterfowl within the state were probably underestimated because of the open water and lack of snow statewide,” Szymanski said. “The lack of snow cover was especially important in keeping these birds around.

Tags: outdoors, hunting, waterfowl