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
Genetic Identification of Redhead and Canvasback Eggs
Using genetics to confirm identity of eggs from canvasback nests
Hot Spot Trapping to Improve Dabbler Production
Evaluating dabbler nest success with a new trapping technique
Eastern Mallard banding and isotopes
Using isotopes to determine whether mallards are moving between the US and Canada during banding operations
Lower Mississippi Flyway Dabbler Tracking
Determining duck locations during migrations and hunting seasons
Predator Trapping in Wetlands
Extending trapping efforts into wetlands to focus on overwater nesting ducks
Strategic Placement of Hen Houses
Using a suite of already collected variables that predict Hen House use to optimize Hen House placement
Accurizing Mid-Winter Hen House Checks
How representative are the mid-winter Hen House checks to determine prior use?
Pintail 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 management of key diver species
Analyzing Canvasback Production in Relation to Predators, Parasitism and Landscapes
Quantifying impacts of varied influences on localized canvasback production
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?
Drivers of Redhead and Canvasback Populations
Using May population survey data to understand changes in redhead and canvasback numbers in the prairies and parklands
Comparing Four Styles of Radio Attachment
An assessment across radio attachment methods to understand transmitter impacts on mallards
Molting Locations of Ring-Necked Ducks
Providing Atlantic Flyway partners additional data from Delta’s recent ring-necked duck radio project
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 2022 Status Update
