Palarski noted that not all species of waterfowl showed declines in the May index. Most diving duck species showed increases, with redheads up 23 percent- the highest count on record. The total diver index was the highest since 2020 and the second highest in the past two decades. •
and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks similar to last year. According to John Palarski, waterfowl management biologist for the Department, the recent brood counts remain 7 percent above the long term( 1948- 2024) average.
“ Spring started off dry, with winter bringing below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures in March,” Palarski reported recently.“ Mallards and pintails were seen moving through North Dakota as early as mid-March, but the lack of melt-water in temporary ponds, coupled with frozen semipermanent wetlands meant that many early migrants simply passed through without stopping. This contributed to a lower May index along with a declining mid-continent duck
population. Fortunately, we received enough rain in parts of the state to boost production, resulting in a fall flight forecast similar to last year.”
The number of broods observed during the department’ s July brood survey was up 28 percent from 2024, but down 2 percent from the 1965 – 2024 average. Blue-winged teal and mallards were the most common broods recorded, accounting for 31.7 percent and 21.4 percent of all broods tallied, respectively.
Palarski noted that not all species of waterfowl showed declines in the May index. Most diving duck species showed increases, with redheads up 23 percent- the highest count on record. The total diver index was the highest since 2020 and the second highest in the past two decades. •
Page 44, Dakota Country, September 2025 www. dakotacountrymagazine. com