A Look at Habitat Conditions and Duck Production in North Dakota

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A Field Report From John Devney

A Look at Habitat Conditions and Duck Production in North Dakota - June 4, 2008

I certainly relish the days I can get out of the office and into the field. I had one of those rare opportunities last week and was able to travel to our Cando, ND trap site and have a look at breeding habitat conditions along the way.

While past trips have revealed dry conditions, I was struck by how water conditions have deteriorated in just a few short weeks. While most small wetlands were dry a couple of weeks ago, now many large permanent wetlands are bone dry or significantly receding. Also, the loss of CRP cover continues to be very apparent.

The good news is Delta continues to support great young researchers doing wonderful work. I had the chance to tag along as they were netting mallards and doing nest checks and as always seeing their dedication and commitment to waterfowl science. Watch the video and see a living journal of my day in the field!