U.S. Waterfowl Breeding Conditions Primed for Spring

Western Canada remains in a prolonged drought, but there’s still time for more precipitation on the Prairie

With only three months until the ducks return to their breeding grounds en masse, large swaths of the Prairie Pothole Region in the Dakotas and western Minnesota are experiencing good to excellent habitat conditions.

North Dakota has had a mild winter. Though there has not been a normal amount of snowfall, sustained rain events have occurred, and much of the state has received average to above-average precipitation over the last three months.

“If I look out the front window of my house, I can see the grass, which isn’t normal for January in North Dakota,” said Mike Buxton, Delta’s waterfowl program manager. “But it has rained here quite a bit, and if that continues, we should be in good shape for the spring.”

Much of South Dakota was dry this time last year, but fall and winter rains have many areas trending in the right direction as the breeding season draws near.

In Canada, southwest Manitoba has had below-average precipitation in the last 60 days. But even though it has not been as wet lately in that region, the area is still in good condition thanks to average precipitation over the last three to six months. 

Saskatchewan has been mired in drought for the better part of a decade. The province has a significant hole to dig out of, but conditions are improving near Saskatoon. Alberta is experiencing mostly dry conditions as well.

“This recent report was from the end of December, and a lot can change on the prairie in 15 days,” Buxton said. “We have had some strange weather on the prairie the past few years. Hopefully, the Dakotas will stay wet, and the provinces get some heavy snow or rain before April.”

For more information, contact Mike Buxton at mbuxton@deltawaterfowl.org.