DOCSLIB.ORG

Re-Examination of the Historical Range of the Greater Prairie Chicken Using Provenance Data and DNA Analysis of Museum Collections

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Re-Examination of the Historical Range of the Greater Prairie Chicken Using Provenance Data and DNA Analysis of Museum Collections Conservation Genetics (2006) Ó Springer 2006 DOI 10.1007/s10592-005-9110-9 Re-examination of the historical range of the greater prairie chicken using provenance data and DNA analysis of museum collections Jeremy D. Ross1, Allan D. Arndt2,4, Roger F. C. Smith2, Jeff A. Johnson3 & Juan L. Bouzat1,* 1Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403-0212, USA; 2Department of Zoology, Brandon University, Manitoba, R7A 6A9, Canada; 3Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; 4University College of Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8, Canada (*Corresponding author: Phone: +419-372-9240; Fax: +419-372-2024; E-mail: [email protected]) Received 7 March 2005; accepted 17 December 2005 Key words: Tympanuchus cupido, range expansion, historical DNA analysis, mitochondrial DNA, mismatch distributions Abstract The extent to which a species has declined within its historical range is commonly used as an important criterion in categorizing the conservation status of wild populations. The greater prairie chicken (Tym- panuchus cupido) has been extirpated from much of the area it once inhabited. However, within a large part of this area the species is not considered to be native, warranting no recovery effort or special protection. Demographic analysis based on provenance data from 238 specimens from museum collections in addition to genetic analyses of 100 mtDNA sequences suggest this species was native to the northern prairies, extending from central Minnesota to Alberta, Canada. Provenance data from 1879 to 1935 indicate that T. cupido would have required colonization and establishment of populations on an average 11,905 km2 every year, with an estimated per capita growth rate of 8.9% per year. These rates seem unrealistic given the limited dispersal and high mortality rates reported for this species. A survey of mtDNA sequences from ‘‘original’’ and ‘‘expanded’’ ranges revealed no differences in levels of sequence diversity within ranges (p=0.018; SE=0.004) but significant levels of genetic differentiation (FST=0.034; P=0.013), which suggest that these populations have been relatively isolated for significant evolutionary time periods. DNA mis- match distributions fit a sudden expansion model consistent with a post-Pleistocene expansion of the species, which coincides with the expansion of prairies into the Canadian plains about 9000 years before present. This study demonstrates the value of museum collections as stores of ecological and genetic information fundamental for the conservation of natural populations, and suggests that the current status of the greater prairie chicken should be re-evaluated within all areas where this species may occur, but is now considered non-native. Introduction declined relative to historical levels is commonly used as an important criterion in categorizing the Effective conservation and restoration strategies status of a population as critically endangered, for declining populations require accurate infor- endangered or vulnerable (IUCN 2001). Knowl- mation about the historical distribution of species. edge of a species’ historical distribution may be In addition to actual or projected population size, gained through written accounts of species pres- the extent to which a species’ distribution has ence by early explorers and naturalists (e.g., Douglas 1829; Hind 1860; Coues 1874), long-term Minnesota, North Dakota and the central Cana- studies on the distribution and abundance of dian plains) this species is not considered to be natural populations (Collins 2001), evaluation of native and thus, no recovery effort or special the fossil record (Lieberman 2000), or through protection is warranted within these regions examination of provenance data from museum (Hjertaas et al. 1993). The non-native classifica- specimens (Shaffer et al. 1998). Yet, there are tion of T. cupido in Canada and north-central limitations to each approach. Historical accounts USA is based largely upon what we term the and fossil records may be fragmentary, prove- ‘‘following the plough’’ (FTP) hypothesis. Based nance data from museum collections are restricted mainly on anecdotal evidence from early natural- to areas surveyed by early collectors, and long- ists (Coues 1874; Cooke 1888; Roberts 1932), this term studies provide no information prior to hypothesis suggests that T. cupido expanded its human settlement. prehistoric range in response to habitat alteration Genetic analyses of both contemporary popu- by European settlers. Development of the west lations and museum (i.e., historic) specimens have during the late 1800s through early 1900s is proven useful in evaluating past demographic and thought to have provided favorable conditions for genetic processes. For example, such studies have a rapid range expansion of the greater prairie provided insight into historical human migrations chicken (Coues 1874). Originating from core pop- and trade routes (e.g., Rogers 1995; Arndt et al. ulations on the prairies of mid-western USA, the 2003), microevolution of natural populations species is believed to have colonized the north-central (Lambert et al. 2002; Pergams et al. 2003), post- US states (i.e., Minnesota and North Dakota) and, Pleistocene colonizations (e.g., Lessa et al. 2003; subsequently, the Canadian prairie provinces of Rowe et al. 2004), and the temporal loss of genetic Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta (Figure 1). diversity in threatened species (e.g., Bouzat et al. Under the FTP hypothesis the total area within 1998; Bouzat 2001; Johnson et al. 2004). which T. cupido occurred at some point in the past In this study, we used provenance and genetic may, therefore, be divided into ‘‘original’’ and ‘‘ex- data from museum specimens to re-examine the panded’’ ranges, the latter believed to be inhabited historical range of the greater prairie chicken, only as the direct consequence of human activities, Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus. This species has specifically modern agricultural expansion across the been known to occur in grassland habitat from prairies (Figure 1). eastern Ontario west to central Alberta in Canada, The earliest suggestion that greater prairie and south to the Texas–Louisiana border of the chickens expanded their range following the USA (Johnsgard 1983). However, its current dis- plough can be traced back to Trippe (1871) and tribution is restricted to eleven US states. Abun- Coues (1874), the latter stating that this species dance estimates suggest that only four states had only reached Fort Randall (at the Nebras- contain populations larger than 5000 breeding ka–South Dakota border) by the early 1870’s. birds (Kansas – KS, Nebraska – NE, South Da- However, this claim contradicts John James kota – SD, and Colorado – CO) while populations Audubon’s earlier reports indicating the presence in the other seven states (North Dakota – ND, of T. cupido in the ‘‘Big Bend’’ region of the Minnesota – MN, Wisconsin – WI, Illinois – IL, Missouri River by the 1840’s (Audubon 1960). Missouri – MO, Iowa – IA, and Oklahoma – OK) Other 19th century reports from early naturalists are greatly reduced (Svedarsky et al. 1999a). also suggest that greater prairie chickens inhab- Limited abundance, restricted distribution and ited the Canadian prairies prior to agricultural declining trends of greater prairie chicken popu- development by European settlers. For example, lations in many of the US states have resulted in during August 1827 David Douglas noted greater listing this species as endangered (IL, MO, IA), prairie chickens on Manitoba prairies north of threatened (ND and WI), or of special concern the 49th parallel (Douglas 1829; see Houston (MN) (see Svedarsky et al. 1999a for a complete 2002 for possible revision of locale), William synopsis of T. cupido status in USA). Ross King (1866) indicated that the species was Clearly, the greater prairie chicken has been abundant in the Assiniboine river valley of extirpated from much of the area it once inhabited. Manitoba/Saskatchewan, and Henry Youle Hind However, within a large part of this area (e.g., (1860) reported multiple sightings of greater Figure 1. Historical (in gray) and current (in black) distribution range of the greater prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido. ‘‘Original’’ and ‘‘Expanded’’ ranges are defined based on the ‘‘following the plough’’ hypothesis (see text). Current distribution adapted from Svedarsky et al. (1999a). prairie chickens up to 52°N latitude in 1857. All and as such cast doubt on the idea that greater three authors’ descriptions of morphology or prairie chickens expanded their range following mating behaviors seem indicative of T. cupido, the plough. Such early historical accounts (Douglas 1829; edgements) were surveyed for T. cupido specimens. Hind 1860; King 1866), along with the availability We identified specimens collected throughout the of prairie habitat in North Dakota and Canada well putative ‘‘expanded’’ range, including specimens before European settlement, lend support to an from North Dakota and western Canada. In alternative hypothesis; i.e., that the greater prairie addition, we incorporated provenance data from chicken was native to the central plains of Canada, egg sets previously surveyed by Houston (2002). inhabiting tall and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems We also documented the presence of greater prai- long before agricultural development. Even with rie chickens in this area from publications by early conflicting accounts regarding the presence of naturalists
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Lesser Snow Goose EN
    Introduction This bird • has evolved a strong serrated bill and tongue to cut and tear the roots of bulrushes and sedges • often has a rusty orange face, because its feathers have been stained by iron in the earth where the bird feeds • is probably the most abundant goose in Canada • unlike most other waterfowl, usually nests in large colonies with densities of up to 2 000 pairs per square kilometre Description The Lesser Snow Goose Chen caerulescens caerulescens has two different appearances, white phase and blue phase. The plumage of white-phase geese is almost completely white, except for black wing tips. The blue-phase goose has a white head, a bluish colour on the feathers of the lower back and flanks, and a body that ranges in colour from very pale, almost white, to very dark. Both the white- and blue-phase snow geese frequently have rusty orange faces, because their feathers have been stained by iron in the earth where the birds feed. The downy goslings of the white-phase geese are yellow, those of the blue phase nearly black. By two months of age the young birds of both colour phases are grey with black wing tips, although the immature blue-phase birds are generally a darker grey and have some light feathers on the chin and throat, which can become stained like those of the adults. The goslings have mostly lost their grey coloring by the following spring; in April and May they may only show a few flecks of darker coloring on their head and neck, and a few grey feathers on their wings that distinguish them from adults.
    [Show full text]
  • GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS Larkin A
    U N I V E R S I T Y OF N E B R A S K A – L I N C O L N EC305 MANAGEMENT OF SANDHILLS RANGELANDS FOR GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS Larkin A. Powell, Conservation Biologist and Animal Ecologist, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Walter H. Schacht, Range Scientist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Lars C. Anderson, Range Ecologist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln William L. Vodehnal, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reater prairie-chickens fascinate landowners, hunters, and birders Galike. They are a symbol of the natural heritage of the Great Plains. Their colorful mating rituals decorate pastures, and their booming calls add charm to meadows. Many landowners want to learn more about managing pastures to increase the number of greater prairie-chickens. Some have a personal desire to conserve the species. Others recognize that these native grouse offer income opportunities in the form of fee hunting and ecotourism. The more information landowners have, the easier it will be to find these birds and make sure they flourish year after year. Whatever your interest in greater prairie-chickens, learning more about this interesting species will help you maintain their habitat while you maintain your land. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Millions of greater prairie-chickens once inhabited the vast prairies in the Midwest. Their numbers were so great that in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a so- called “chicken hunting culture” was created. The loss of habitat was, by far, the biggest reason for the dramatic decline in prairie-chicken numbers, but hunting was another factor.
    [Show full text]
  • Waterfowl Management in Georgia
    WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT IN GEORGIA PREFACE & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Wildlife biologists serving on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Waterfowl Committee prepared the information found here. It is intended to serve as a source of general information for those with a casual interest in waterfowl. It also serves as a more detailed guide for landowners and managers who want to improve the waterfowl habitat on their property. The committee hopes this information will serve to benefit the waterfowl resource in Georgia and help to ensure its well- being for generations to come. Land management assistance is available from Wildlife Resources Division biologists. For additional help, contact the nearest Game Management Section office. Game Management Offices Region I Armuchee (706) 295-6041 Region II Gainesville (770) 535-5700 Region III Thomson (706) 595-4222 Region III Thomson (Augusta) (706) 667-4672 Region IV Fort Valley (478) 825-6354 Region V Albany (229) 430-4254 Region VI Fitzgerald (229) 426-5267 Region VII Brunswick (912) 262-3173 * Headquarters (770) 918-6416 We would like to express our appreciation to Carroll Allen and Dan Forster of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for providing editorial comments. AUTHORS: Greg Balkcom, Senior Wildlife Biologist Ted Touchstone, Wildlife Biologist Kent Kammermeyer, Senior Wildlife Biologist Vic Vansant, Regional Wildlife Supervisor Carmen Martin, Wildlife Biologist Mike Van Brackle, Wildlife Biologist George Steele, Wildlife Biologist John Bowers, Senior Wildlife Biologist The Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer and offers all persons the opportunity to compete and participate in areas of employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, or other non-merit factors.
    [Show full text]
  • GUIDE to PRAIRIE GROUSE VIEWING Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, Near Crookston, Minnesota
    Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Education GUIDE TO PRAIRIE GROUSE VIEWING Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, near Crookston, Minnesota Reserve your chance today for an experience of a lifetime. In April, small 3-person blinds are placed on the dancing grounds or leks of Greater Prairie-Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse near Crookston, Minnesota. Blinds are placed adjacent to the lek so they do not disturb the birds, yet are close to the action. Past blinds have been close enough so that birds occasionally perched or danced on top of them to the delight of the human visitors. Greater Prairie- Greater Prairie‐Chicken by Ross Hier, Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse are shy birds. Every precaution Area Wildlife Manager, MnDNR should be taken to minimize disturbance during their courtship display. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF PRAIRIE GROUSE BLINDS 1. Arrive and settle in the blind no later than 60 minutes before sunrise (while it is still very dark), or 5:30 p.m. for evening viewing. Keep in mind that blinds are typically at least a ½ mile walk from the parking area. Usually you want to be leaving the parking area at least 80 minutes before sunrise. The prairie chickens usually come to the booming grounds in the dark and begin booming before daylight. You will hear them before you can see them. The best displays are at sunrise if the birds are not disturbed earlier in the morning. If you arrive late, the birds will flush from the lek or dancing ground and will probably return, but the display will not be as spectacular.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesser Snow Goose
    4. OTHER GOOSE SPECIES IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER Greater White-Fronted Goose Description • High-pitched call, sounds like a laugh or yodel. • Pink or orange bill. • Adults have black bars on breast and belly and white “front” behind bill. • About the size of a Taverner’s or lesser. Figure 97: White-fronted goose (center) with lesser Canada geese. Identification Field Guide to the Geese of the Willamette Valley and Lower Columbia River, 2nd Edition 65 Figure 98: White-fronted geese (three in foreground) and cackling geese. Figure 99: White-fronted geese. Identification Field Guide to the Geese of the Willamette Valley and Lower Columbia River, 2nd Edition 66 Figure 100: White-fronted geese; adults have black markings on belly; juveniles lack marks. Figure 101: White-fronted geese in flight; they are similar to lesser Canada geese in size. Identification Field Guide to the Geese of the Willamette Valley and Lower Columbia River, 2nd Edition 67 Figure 102: Juvenile white-fronted goose (left) with adult white-fronts. Figure 103: Adult white-fronted geese in flight. Identification Field Guide to the Geese of the Willamette Valley and Lower Columbia River, 2nd Edition 68 History Populations of greater white-fronted geese, commonly known as specs or speckle bellies, found in the Pacific Flyway have fluctuated for the past several decades. Currently, the Pacific population is increasing and is above flyway management objectives. Most white-fronted geese winter in the Central Valley of California, but white-fronts are observed and harvested in the permit zone every year. Currently, they are not common in our region, but appear to be increasing.
    [Show full text]
  • Waterfowl in Iowa, Overview
    STATE OF IOWA 1977 WATERFOWL IN IOWA By JACK W MUSGROVE Director DIVISION OF MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES STATE HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT and MARY R MUSGROVE Illustrated by MAYNARD F REECE Printed for STATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION DES MOINES, IOWA Copyright 1943 Copyright 1947 Copyright 1953 Copyright 1961 Copyright 1977 Published by the STATE OF IOWA Des Moines Fifth Edition FOREWORD Since the origin of man the migratory flight of waterfowl has fired his imagination. Undoubtedly the hungry caveman, as he watched wave after wave of ducks and geese pass overhead, felt a thrill, and his dull brain questioned, “Whither and why?” The same age - old attraction each spring and fall turns thousands of faces skyward when flocks of Canada geese fly over. In historic times Iowa was the nesting ground of countless flocks of ducks, geese, and swans. Much of the marshland that was their home has been tiled and has disappeared under the corn planter. However, this state is still the summer home of many species, and restoration of various areas is annually increasing the number. Iowa is more important as a cafeteria for the ducks on their semiannual flights than as a nesting ground, and multitudes of them stop in this state to feed and grow fat on waste grain. The interest in waterfowl may be observed each spring during the blue and snow goose flight along the Missouri River, where thousands of spectators gather to watch the flight. There are many bird study clubs in the state with large memberships, as well as hundreds of unaffiliated ornithologists who spend much of their leisure time observing birds.
    [Show full text]
  • Diets of Greater Prairie Chickens on the Sheyenne National Grasslands1,2 3 4 Mark A
    Diets of Greater Prairie Chickens on the Sheyenne National Grasslands1,2 3 4 Mark A. Rumble, Jay A. Newell, and John E. Toepfer Abstract.-- Diets of greater prairie chickens on the Sheyenne National Grassland of North Dakota were examined. During the winter months agricultural crops (primarily corn) were the predominant food items. Green vegetation was consumed in greater quantities as spring progressed. Dandelion flowers and alfalfa/sweetclover were the major vegetative food items through the summer. Both juvenile and adults selected diets high in digestible protein obtained through consumption of arthropods and some plants. INTRODUCTION The Sheyenne National Grassland is an island of suitable prairie chicken habitat in eastern North Initially, the development of agriculture on Dakota. Because the population of prairie the prairies was credited with increasing the chickens on the Sheyenne National Grassland population and range of the greater prairie increased during the period 1974-1980 (Manske and chicken (Tympanuchus cupido (Hamerstrom et al. Barker 1981), the possibility of an annual 1957). Further development however, of harvest arose. Yet, the reasons for this agriculture, primarily "clean farming", population increase were not clear. As a result, contributed to their decline (Yeatter 1963, this study was initiated by the Rocky Mountain Westemier 1980). Prairie chicken populations are Forest and Range Experiment Station, in highest in areas where agriculture is cooperation with Montana State University to interspersed with grasslands in approximately a determine food habits of greater prairie chickens 1:2 ratio (Evans 1968). The quality of the on the Sheyenne National Grassland. grassland habitats is also important, however (Christisen and Krohn 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • MANAGEMENT of SANDHILLS RANGELANDS for GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS Larkin A
    U N I V E R S I T Y OF N E B R A S K A – L I N C O L N EC305 MANAGEMENT OF SANDHILLS RANGELANDS FOR GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS Larkin A. Powell, Conservation Biologist and Animal Ecologist, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Walter H. Schacht, Range Scientist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Lars C. Anderson, Range Ecologist, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln William L. Vodehnal, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reater prairie-chickens fascinate landowners, hunters, and birders Galike. They are a symbol of the natural heritage of the Great Plains. Their colorful mating rituals decorate pastures, and their booming calls add charm to meadows. Many landowners want to learn more about managing pastures to increase the number of greater prairie-chickens. Some have a personal desire to conserve the species. Others recognize that these native grouse offer income opportunities in the form of fee hunting and ecotourism. The more information landowners have, the easier it will be to find these birds and make sure they flourish year after year. Whatever your interest in greater prairie-chickens, learning more about this interesting species will help you maintain their habitat while you maintain your land. Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Millions of greater prairie-chickens once inhabited the vast prairies in the Midwest. Their numbers were so great that in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a so- called “chicken hunting culture” was created. The loss of habitat was, by far, the biggest reason for the dramatic decline in prairie-chicken numbers, but hunting was another factor.
    [Show full text]
  • American Museum Novitiates 3885, 28Pp
    AMERICAN MUSEUM NOVITATES Number 3885, 28 pp. October 24, 2017 Polar bear foraging behavior during the ice-free period in western Hudson Bay: observations, origins, and potential significance LINDA J. GORMEZANO,1 SUSAN N. ELLIS-FELEGE,2 DAVID T. ILES,3 ANDREW BARNAS,2 AND ROBERT F. ROCKWELL1 ABSTRACT During much of the year, polar bears in western Hudson Bay use energy-conserving hunt- ing tactics, such as still-hunting and stalking, to capture seals from sea-ice platforms. Such hunting allows these bears to accumulate a majority of the annual fat reserves that sustain them on land through the ice-free season. As climate change has led to earlier spring sea-ice breakup in western Hudson Bay, polar bears have less time to hunt seals, especially seal pups in their spring birthing lairs. Concerns have been raised as to whether this will lead to a shortfall in the bears’ annual energy budget. Research based on scat analyses indicates that over the past 40 years at least some of these polar bears eat a variety of food during the ice-free season and are opportunistically taking advantage of a changing and increasing terrestrial prey base. Whether this food will offset anticipated shortfalls and whether land-based foraging will spread through- out the population is not yet known, and full resolution of the issues requires detailed physi- ological and genetic research. For insight on these issues, we present detailed observations on polar bears hunting without an ice platform. We compare the hunting tactics to those of polar bears using an ice platform and to those of the closely related grizzly bear.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Waterfowl Population Status Survey
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Waterfowl Population Status, 2019 Waterfowl Population Status, 2019 August 19, 2019 In the United States the process of establishing hunting regulations for waterfowl is conducted annually. This process involves a number of scheduled meetings in which information regarding the status of waterfowl is presented to individuals within the agencies responsible for setting hunting regulations. In addition, the proposed regulations are published in the Federal Register to allow public comment. This report includes the most current breeding population and production information available for waterfowl in North America and is a result of cooperative eforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), various state and provincial conservation agencies, and private conservation organizations. In addition to providing current information on the status of populations, this report is intended to aid the development of waterfowl harvest regulations in the United States for the 2020–2021 hunting season. i Acknowledgments Waterfowl Population and Habitat Information: The information contained in this report is the result of the eforts of numerous individuals and organizations. Principal contributors include the Canadian Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife conservation agencies, provincial conservation agencies from Canada, and Direcci´on General de Conservaci´on Ecol´ogica de los Recursos Naturales, Mexico. In addition, several conservation organizations, other state and federal agencies, universities, and private individuals provided information or cooperated in survey activities. Appendix A.1 provides a list of individuals responsible for the collection and compilation of data for the “Status of Ducks” section of this report.
    [Show full text]
  • Alpha Codes for 2168 Bird Species (And 113 Non-Species Taxa) in Accordance with the 62Nd AOU Supplement (2021), Sorted Taxonomically
    Four-letter (English Name) and Six-letter (Scientific Name) Alpha Codes for 2168 Bird Species (and 113 Non-Species Taxa) in accordance with the 62nd AOU Supplement (2021), sorted taxonomically Prepared by Peter Pyle and David F. DeSante The Institute for Bird Populations www.birdpop.org ENGLISH NAME 4-LETTER CODE SCIENTIFIC NAME 6-LETTER CODE Highland Tinamou HITI Nothocercus bonapartei NOTBON Great Tinamou GRTI Tinamus major TINMAJ Little Tinamou LITI Crypturellus soui CRYSOU Thicket Tinamou THTI Crypturellus cinnamomeus CRYCIN Slaty-breasted Tinamou SBTI Crypturellus boucardi CRYBOU Choco Tinamou CHTI Crypturellus kerriae CRYKER White-faced Whistling-Duck WFWD Dendrocygna viduata DENVID Black-bellied Whistling-Duck BBWD Dendrocygna autumnalis DENAUT West Indian Whistling-Duck WIWD Dendrocygna arborea DENARB Fulvous Whistling-Duck FUWD Dendrocygna bicolor DENBIC Emperor Goose EMGO Anser canagicus ANSCAN Snow Goose SNGO Anser caerulescens ANSCAE + Lesser Snow Goose White-morph LSGW Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Lesser Snow Goose Intermediate-morph LSGI Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Lesser Snow Goose Blue-morph LSGB Anser caerulescens caerulescens ANSCCA + Greater Snow Goose White-morph GSGW Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Greater Snow Goose Intermediate-morph GSGI Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Greater Snow Goose Blue-morph GSGB Anser caerulescens atlantica ANSCAT + Snow X Ross's Goose Hybrid SRGH Anser caerulescens x rossii ANSCAR + Snow/Ross's Goose SRGO Anser caerulescens/rossii ANSCRO Ross's Goose
    [Show full text]
  • Waterfowl Ground Counts February 5, 2021
    February 5, 2021 Kentucky Waterfowl Ground Counts This is the ground count for February 1-5, 2021. The western duck zone youth hunt is Saturday and Sunday, and bird numbers have improved since last week. A nice cold front has swept across our northern neighbors, and we are finally seeing some consistent cold temps. Habitat across the state continues to look excellent in moist soil units and good to excellent habitat over all. We never received any significant river flooding, and most of the season was much drier than average. Overall, wetland conditions and food availability are excellent. Duck season began on Thanksgiving Day, with the first segment running from November 26 – 29. The second segment of duck season opened on December 7, and will run until January 31, 2021. Goose season opened November 26, 2020 and will remain open until February 15, 2021. The western zone youth hunt will be February 6-7, 2021. Also new this year, is the daily bag limit reduction for Scaup (blue bills). The new Scaup bag limit is one bird November 26-29, and December 7-18, 2020 and two birds December 19. 2020 through January 31, 2021. All other bag limits remain the same. We wish everyone great luck this year. Be safe, and enjoy your time afield. Location Number Species Composition Comments Ballard 46,425 ducks 82% Mallard, 10% Ring-neck, Raining today during 76 CA goose 3% Gadwall, 2% GW Teal, 3% survey. Temps are in 2/4/2021 9,000 WF goose Shoveler, Wigeon, Pintail, the low 40’s, and are 500 Snow goose Wood Duck, Black Duck, predicted to stay that Ruddy, Redhead, Goldeneye, way through Hooded Merg and Canvasback Sunday.
    [Show full text]