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More Ducks, Less Canada Geese in Delaware This Winter

dnr.delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware is hosting more ducks this winter and fewer Canada geese.

That's according to an annual mid-winter waterfowl survey released by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

DNREC biologist Matt DiBona says nearly 34,000 ducks were counted, which is slightly above average. And about 34,000 Canada geese were tallied, which is below the long-term average of 45,000 to 50,000. DiBona says geese numbers have been down for several years and recent mild winters may be keeping some birds further north.

Snow goose numbers remain high, meanwhile, with nearly 125,000 counted during the two-day survey. More than 17 duck species were observed, with mallard and black ducks the most numerous.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.