In yet another sign of the devastating impact of the drought on California waterfowl populations, a new report from the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife shows that breeding waterfowl populations in California are down 30 percent from last year. While this decline is being driven by a number of species, breeding Mallards show the largest decline, falling 28 percent from last year, and 42 percent from 2013.

“While these numbers are startling, they are not surprising given the impact of the drought on waterfowl habitat in California,” said Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack. “Our birds are a tremendous natural legacy, and these numbers are of great concern.”

More information about the report can be found here.

While the majority of California waterfowl migrate north during the spring and summer to breed, and return to the Central Valley in the fall and winter, a number remain here in the Golden State for breeding. Surveying this group provides insight into habitat health and other environmental factors affecting the birds in California.

This year’s survey estimated the total number of breeding ducks at 315,580, compared to 448,750 last year, and 451,300 from 2013. This year’s total is about 40 percent below the long-term average.

The declines in this population, according to the report are being driven mostly be declines in Mallards, but also Northern Shovelers and Gadwall. The report estimates the 2015 breeding population of mallards at 173,865, down from 238,670 in 2014, and 298,600 in 2013 – a 42 percent drop in two years.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted this survey using fixed-wing aircraft since 1948, and employs methodology approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The report’s authors acknowledge that the cause of this decline is poor habitat conditions in the Northern California and the Central Valley, where wildlife refuges are unable to flood spring and summer wetland habitat.

“This report shows that the ability for California to host large numbers of birds is in jeopardy, which could mean a major problem when millions of birds return from the north to overwinter in California this fall,” said McCormack. “It is vital that California take steps to revive waterfowl habitat in our refuge system.”

About Audubon California 
Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society. 

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.

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