DNR Releases 2004 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2004 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey counted 781,300 waterfowl, a slight decline from 798,000 in 2003. Diminished use of federal aircraft, caused by federal budget shortfalls, reduced survey coverage this year. The reduced coverage of inland areas in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties contributed to fewer Canada geese and snow geese being observed.
Total dabbling ducks in the 2004 survey were estimated at 94,300, an increase from 68,400 in 2003. Large numbers of dabbling ducks were observed in the lower Chester River along the Kent County shoreline and at Taylor’s Island in Dorchester County. Mallards increased to 48,200 in 2004 from 39,000 in 2003. Black ducks showed a substantial increase: 31,700 in 2004 versus 22,500 in 2003. The survey also showed higher numbers for American widgeon (6,000) and northern pintail (4,600).
Total diving ducks in the 2004 survey were 188,200; the count was 169,900 last winter. Population levels for most diving ducks were similar to those observed last winter, except for canvasbacks, ruddy ducks, and scaup. Canvasback numbers were lower this winter: 30,800 versus 40,000 in 2003. Ruddy duck numbers were also lower: 34,000 versus 42,700 in 2003. On the other hand, scaup numbers were much higher: 106,300 versus 66,600 last year. The total number of all ducks in the 2004 survey was 215,400; the count in 2003 was 247,300.
Canada geese this year numbered 355,200 despite reduced survey coverage. Canada geese were concentrated in areas of open water by ice that covered portions of bays and tributaries. Surveyed regions on the Eastern Shore held large numbers of Canada geese, for Atlantic Population geese were joined by geese forced south by extremely cold weather and deep snow in northern states and provinces.
Reduced survey coverage will not affect hunting seasons for Canada geese. Because midwinter estimates reflect a mix of resident and migrant goose stocks, these surveys are not used to set hunting regulations. Regulations change in accord with the population status of Atlantic Flyway Canada geese, which is tracked using breeding population and productivity surveys conducted each spring in breeding areas.
Snow geese in the 2004 survey numbered 93,900, slightly higher than the 2003 count of 75,600 despite reduced aerial survey coverage. Survey staff observed a large concentration of snow geese, likely more than 80,000, roosting on the Sassafras River in Kent County. A more reliable estimate of the greater snow goose population is made in May using aerial photography, when the entire population gathers on the St. Lawrence River estuary in southern Quebec before moving north to Arctic nesting areas. Another Arctic breeding species, the tundra swan, showed slightly higher numbers in Maryland: 17,900 in 2004 versus 15,100 tallied in 2003.
The Midwinter Waterfowl Survey has been conducted annually throughout the United States since the early 1950s. The survey provides information on long-term trends in waterfowl populations. It is the only source of population estimates for important species such as Atlantic brant and tundra swans. The survey also provides supplementary information on other waterfowl species for which annual breeding population and harvest information is available.
Survey teams representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service conducted this aerial survey Jan. 8-16. Except for inland goose areas in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, coverage of waterfowl habitats was similar to that in 2003. Airspace restrictions, especially along the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and around military installations on the upper western shore, once again limited aerial coverage of the 2004 Midwinter Waterfowl Survey.
Maryland Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Results 2000–2004
Species
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Mallard
50,100
58,800
36,700
39,000
48,200
Black Duck
25,900
33,400
22,400
22,500
31,700
Gadwall
3,900
2,400
3,200
3,700
2,500
Widgeon
4,600
1,800
2,900
800
6,000
G-W Teal
2,900
100
1,800
1,000
1,200
Shoveler
400
200
0
0
100
Pintail
5,400
2,800
1,800
1,300
4,600
Total Dabblers
93,200
99,400
68,800
68,400
94,300
Redhead
5,300
4,900
9,300
5,100
6,100
Canvasback
49,900
52,800
32,900
40,000
30,800
Scaup
96,100
85,600
163,400
66,600
106,300
Ringneck
4,700
3,400
3,900
300
200
Goldeneye
9,100
8,600
4,800
2,100
1,000
Bufflehead
18,800
16,500
16,500
13,100
9,800
Ruddy Duck
60,600
45,500
79,200
42,700
34,000
Total Divers
241,200
219,600
310,000
169,900
188,200
Scoters
2,700
2,300
400
2,300
8,100
Long-tailed Duck
400
900
200
100
400
Mergansers
3,800
18,300
11,000
6,500
18,700
Total Ducks
341,300
340,500
390,400
247,300
215,400
Brant
400
900
500
1,500
1,300
Snow Goose
150,700
64,000
79,200
75,600
93,900
Canada Goose
396,400
448,300
426,900
452,900
355,200
Tundra Swan
15,600
20,800
16,600
15,100
17,900
Total Waterfowl
881,100
879,000
919,000
798,000
781,300
Posted March 17, 2004