The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced an increase in the waterfowl population across most of the state, despite dry winter and spring weather.
The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. Surveys showed an increase in the number of total birds compared to 2019 estimates with increases in wood duck, blue-winged teal and Canada goose numbers.
However, there has been a slight dip in mallard numbers. Wisconsin experienced a relatively mild and dry winter followed by below-average precipitation in April and May. As a result, wetland conditions are drier throughout the state.
Some areas of the state experienced considerable rainfall in May and June, while other areas experienced drier conditions following the survey.
The DNR estimates the state’s breeding duck population for 2021 to be 522,546 birds, a 7% increase compared to the 2020 estimate and 19% above the long-term (47-year) average.
