Introduction
The North American Waterfowl Population Program represents a 50-year legacy of standardized cooperative surveys performed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, state and provincial biologists, and non-governmental cooperators. The survey program, celebrated in 2005, is believed to be the most extensive, comprehensive, long-term annual wildlife survey effort anywhere.
Survey Methodology
Each spring, teams of FWS pilot-biologists and observers conduct aerial surveys of North American breeding grounds, covering:
- Territory from the Canadian Maritimes west to the Pacific
- Range from mid-U.S. north to the Arctic Ocean
- More than 80,000 miles annually
- Flights at approximately 150 feet altitude
- Pre-determined quarter-mile wide transects
Ground crews complement the aerial surveys by:
- Checking portions of aerial transects
- Correcting for waterfowl not visible from the air
- Providing data on pond numbers
- Assessing habitat conditions
Additional survey components include:
- Mid-winter surveys extending into Mexico
- Special species-specific surveys
- Satellite imagery analysis
- Hunter participation and harvest surveys
- Banding programs
Historical Context
The Crisis
By the early 1900s, multiple factors had severely impacted waterfowl populations:
- Habitat loss from agriculture and logging
- Overharvesting
- Recurring drought on breeding grounds
- Public apathy
- Inadequate state regulations
Federal Legal Protections
Key legislative developments:
- Migratory Bird Act of 1913: Signed by President William Howard Taft
- U.S.-Canada Treaty: Signed in 1916
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Signed in 1918
- Additional treaties with:
- Mexico (1936)
- Japan (1972)
- Former Soviet Union (1976)
Evolution of Aerial Surveys
Early Development
- 1931: Frederick C. Lincoln pioneered aerial surveys
- 1940: FWS acquired its first aircraft
- Post-WWII: Expansion of aircraft fleet and pilot-biologist program
Modern Program
Current resources include:
- 12 FWS pilot-biologists and aircraft in continental U.S.
- 5 pilot-biologists and 4 planes in Alaska
- Ground survey crews in prairie pothole regions
- Advanced technology integration:
- GPS technology
- Moving map video displays
- Aerial videography
Contact Information
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Migratory Bird Management
4401 North Fairfax Drive, MS 4107
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Phone: 703/358 1714
Website: http://waterfowlsurveys.fws.gov