Maine's Annual Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey Completed

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife conducted its annual mid-winter waterfowl survey early in January 2010 and recorded numbers identical to or lower than 10-year-average figures.

The mid-winter waterfowl survey is conducted at the same time each winter in every state in the Atlantic Flyway. MDIFW wildlife biologists Brad Allen and Kelsey Sullivan and U.S. Geological Survey biologist Dan McAuley flew with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pilot John Bidwell for nearly 40 hours to conduct the low-level survey between January 4 and January 16.

This year, the team counted slightly more than 56,000 ducks and geese, a figure significantly lower than the latest 10-year average count of 69,000.

According to Brad Allen, leader of MDIFW’s bird group, this year’s count likely was low because of the relatively mild, ice-free coastal conditions encountered during the survey. In years when the survey is preceded by cold, harsh weather conditions, waterfowl become concentrated along the coast and are more likely to be counted. In years when the weather is mild, waterfowl are either along the coast or are dispersed in freshwater sites near the coast that remain ice free. These inland areas are not searched by the survey team.

Despite the mild conditions, a relatively good number of black ducks were recorded at 16,388 birds. This figure is nearly identical to the latest 10-year average for this species.

The most disappointing numbers recorded this year were for the sea ducks, according to Allen. Fewer than 1,000 scoters were encountered during the survey. Long-tailed duck numbers also were low at 1,253. Common eider numbers were the lowest ever recorded during mid-winter waterfowl survey flights. The survey team tallied fewer than 15,000 eiders, well below the latest 10-year average of 26,500 for this species.

Other numbers recorded for waterfowl in Maine in early January 2010 were as follows:

· Mallards: 2,778

· Scaup: 232

· Goldeneyes: 7,549

· Buffleheads: 6,561

· Mergansers: 2,613

· Ruddy ducks: 107

· Harlequin ducks: 24

· Canada geese: 3,286

While Maine’s numbers were relatively low this year, the overall status of winter populations cannot be determined until Maine’s data are pooled with the other state’s numbers from Maine to Florida. Collectively, these data provide a relative index to the abundance of all waterfowl species and their distribution within the flyway.

Alabama: Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has designated February 6-7, 2010, as Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. On those two days, youth under age 16 may hunt when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter. Regular waterfowl season shooting hours, bag limits, legal arms and ammunitions apply to the special days.

ADCNR Commissioner M. Barnett Lawley thinks the two select hunting days give young people a chance to learn and grow as hunters. "Hunting under the supervision of an experienced adult hunter is one of the best ways young hunters can acquire the necessary skills to become a good hunter," said Lawley. "Learning the correct way to handle firearms, to practice hunting safety and the ethics of hunting during these appointed days begins a positive step toward becoming an accomplished, lifetime hunter."

Youth are defined as individuals age 15 years and younger. Adults are defined as individuals age 25 years and older, or as the parent of the youth. The adult must have a state hunting license, state and federal waterfowl stamp, and a free harvest information program stamp.

To participate in the hunt, individuals must be accompanied by an adult supervisor. The adult supervisor, who may not hunt, must remain within arm's length of the youth at all times. The adult supervisor may accompany up to two youth participants during the hunt.

Only one firearm will be allowed per youth, and only the youth hunters will be permitted to utilize the firearm for hunting. The adult is expected to review the rules of firearm safety and hunter ethics with each youth and ensure they are followed.

For more information on the Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days, contact David Hayden at (334) 242-3469 or visit the Outdoor Alabama Web site at www.outdooralabama.com.

More Arkansas: Photos by Steve Hickoff

(Steve Hickoff photos)

Arkansas Waterfowl Report

Hunted flooded timber and zero-grade rice fields on the recent trip.

Hunters in camp recorded the following species over the three days I visited: mallards, shovelers, a Ross' goose, a blue (color phase of the white lesser snow, of course), white-fronted geese (specks), and a pintail.

Flooded timber hunts involve ice chopping, sliding sheets underneath to open up holes. Gunned from a pit blind twice. Took all ducks & geese over GHG dekes.

--Steve Hickoff

(Photos: Van Holmes, Yamaha; used with permission)

January Report

Surf scoter, common goldeneye, black ducks and mallards in the New Hampshire coastal zone of late; along with Canadas feeding in tidal marshes, and local fields. Ends January 11, 2010.

Report of a Eurasian widgeon flying with American widgeon on Great Bay has the waterfowl grapevine buzzing . . .

Off to Arkansas tomorrow with a deep freeze about to hit there by Thursday. A full report on the other side.

-S.H.

(Steve Hickoff photo)