Delta furthers the research that keeps waterfowl populations strong
Delta Waterfowl believes that waterfowl management decisions should always be based on sound science. Using the latest technology, researchers answer tough questions about duck production and wetland conservation today and in the future.

Raccoon Satellite Telemetry
Studying movements and habitat use of raccoons to improve effectiveness of Predator Management

Drone Brood Surveys
Development of an operational survey to measure complete duck production


Identification of Redhead and Canvasback Eggs
Using genetics to improve visual identification

Hot Spot Trapping to Improve Dabbler Production
Evaluating dabbler nest success with a new trapping techniques

Graduate Student Retention Survey
Gaining an understanding of
limitations for trained waterfowl graduate students to stay in the profession

Lower Mississippi Flyway Dabbler Tracking
Determining duck locations during hunting seasons and migration

Predator Trapping in Wetlands
Extending trapping efforts into the wetlands to focus on over-water nesting ducks

Strategic Placement of Hen Houses
Using a suite of collected data to optimize Hen House placement and predict usage rates

California Hen Houses
Testing the success of Hen Houses in the Intermountain West

Accuracy of Mid-winter Hen House Checks
How representative are the midwinter Hen House checks to determine prior use?

Duck Harvest and Survival
How does hunting harvest impact duck populations?

Spatiotemporal Variation in Duck Demographic Rates
How environmental change influences duck population dynamics

Canvasback/Redhead
Integrated Population Models
Determining needs for the management of key diver species

Analyzing Canvasback
Production in Relation to Predators, Parasitism, and Local Landscapes

Mercury Loading in Nevada Wood Ducks
Demographics of a wood duck population in a mercury super fund site

Using Saliva to Identify Nest Predators
Can we use residual saliva on depredated eggs to determine the nest predator?

Mallards and Black Ducks on Long Island
Habitat Use of American Black Ducks and Mallards on Eastern Long Island: Assessing the Utility of Corn Fields to Wintering Waterfowl

Evaluating Three Styles of Radio Attachments
An assessment of radio attachment methods to understand transmitter impacts on mallards

Identification of Game Farm Mallards
Determining the implications of game-farm mallard release for eastern U.S. mallard populations using morphology and feather patterns

Saskatchewan Nest and Brood Success
Development of a rapid duckling production tool for upland-nesting ducks in Saskatchewan
Research Leaders

Over 300 graduate students
More than 600 papers published
Throughout the organization’s storied history, Delta Waterfowl has amassed an impressive body of research that includes supporting more than 300 graduate students and publishing 600 peer-reviewed scientific papers. Delta’s research has profoundly influenced how waterfowl, wetlands and annual harvest are managed. It has also provided biologists, technicians and young scientists with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and guidance to become leaders in waterfowl and wetland conservation. We are extremely proud that many of Delta’s former students are working for government and non-government agencies, as well as universities. Delta Waterfowl’s important waterfowl and wetland research is made possible by you — our generous donors, members and volunteers. We deeply appreciate your support.
Download Research and Education 2023 Status Update
