Waterfowl breeding conditions within the survey area depend largely on the timing of spring
phenology. A very mild spring breakup occurred in Interior Alaska, due to very low winter snow
fall resulting in lower than normal water levels across the Interior. Spring breakup, while
initially delayed, occurred normally throughout the majority of Coastal Alaska. Overall,
waterfowl production is expected to be good across the survey area.
Total duck numbers were equal to the previous 10-year mean, but were up 39% from the longterm
mean (1957 – 2009). Dabbler ducks increased from the previous 10-year mean by 6%, and
were up 71% from the long-term mean. Divers and “miscellaneous” species differed by -13%
and -16% from their previous 10-year means, respectively, and differed from their long-term
means by -1% and -26%, respectively. Duck production is expected to be good.
Goose and swan (trumpeter and tundra) production should be good throughout the survey area.