Manitoba Habitat Conditions
Habitat conditions are assessed regularly by DUC and are presented in our Habitat Reports. The following is a compilation of impressions, collected from DUC field staff, of environmental conditions relative to breeding waterfowl. These observations are not based on systematic surveys, and are not intended to describe hunting conditions. Our most recent Habitat Report was prepared November 2010, and had the following to say about habitat conditions in Manitoba:
Wetlands are in excellent condition throughout southwest breeding areas. A relatively dry October went out with what experts call a “weather bomb”, which blanketed southern Manitoba with heavy rain and significant amounts of wet snow. This replenished all basins, and further saturated already-moist soil once favorable temperatures returned. Prior to freeze-up, the landscape resembled spring; wetlands were flooded well into their vegetation and normally-cultivated basins were inundated.
The bulk of migrating birds left prior to the late-October weather bomb, after which hunting opportunities were limited, except in early November when cold conditions concentrated remaining birds on larger basins. A large number of diving ducks were observed migrating around November 12.
November has brought the typical Prairie freeze, and a heavy frost seal is expected given high soil moisture conditions. Wetlands remain inundated due to frequent early-autumn rainfall events and a number of significant late-autumn snow events. Wetlands should be in great shape as waterfowl return in the spring.
This report should only be redistributed as a full PDF document, with DUC permission.
Download the full November Report report.
Current moisture maps are also available through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s website at w ww.ag r.gc .ca/pfra/drought/pr_e.htm.
Detailed breeding waterfowl survey reports and forecasts are available at www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/.
